Plant Manager - 1st Shift

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop departmental leaders including Superintendents, Supervisors, and support staff to achieve plant objectives.
• Oversee workforce planning, succession development, and talent acquisition strategies to build a robust leadership pipeline.
• Champion a culture of accountability, inclusion, and engagement aligned with company values and leadership principles.
• Drive associate retention and performance through strategic development programs and coaching.

Safety and Risk Management

• Establish and enforce a proactive safety culture across departments, ensuring full compliance with safety, food safety, and environmental regulations.
• Lead safety initiatives, audits, and ensure continuous improvement in risk mitigation.
• Ensure safety compliance and regulatory adherence within the facility.

Food safety, Quality Standards and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company policies, including HACCP, GMPs, and sanitation protocols.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement quality assurance programs and SOPs that exceed industry standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, enhance product quality, and prevent recalls.
• Champion lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize plant performance.

Environmental Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with environmental laws and regulations across the facility, including air and water quality, waste management, and hazardous materials.
• Lead sustainability initiatives and collaborate with corporate teams to meet environmental goals.

Production Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, customer specifications, and quality standards.
• Optimize resource allocation including labor, materials, and equipment to ensure cost effective operations.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.

Reporting and Communication

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of plant performance metrics including output, quality, safety, and financials.
• Analyze KPIs to identify trends and lead corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary communication link between plant operations and corporate leadership.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among departments to achieve plant goals.

Metrics of Success

• Achievement of production, quality, and financial KPIs.
• Reduction in safety incidents and improved audit scores.
• Improved associate engagement and retention.
• Successful execution of strategic initiatives and cost-saving programs.
• Compliance with all regulatory and corporate standards.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma/GED equivalent candidates must have a minimum of 5-7 years in a manufacturing environment, with at least 4-6 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Bachelor's/Associate's degree candidates must have a minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing experience and 4-6 years of supervisory experience.
• Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale operations.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ERP systems.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.