Plant Manager

About the Role

Perdue Foods aims to become the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and retail and foodservice customers globally. As part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned business, we combine tradition with innovation. Our culture values teamwork, integrity, and respect, fostering an inclusive environment where every voice contributes to shared goals. We support associates through growth opportunities, work-life balance, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

The Plant Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for multiple departments within the manufacturing facility, ensuring goals in safety, quality, productivity, cost control, and associate development are met. This role oversees production, maintenance, quality assurance, supply chain, and engineering, serving as the primary liaison between the Director of Operations and plant operations to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• People Development and Leadership
  • Lead, mentor, and develop departmental leaders, including Superintendents, Supervisors, and support staff, to achieve plant objectives.
  • Oversee workforce planning, succession development, and talent acquisition to build a robust leadership pipeline.
  • Champion a culture of accountability, inclusion, and engagement aligned with company values.
  • Drive associate retention and performance through strategic development programs and coaching.
• Safety and Risk Management
  • Establish and enforce a proactive safety culture, ensuring compliance with safety, food safety, and environmental regulations.
  • Lead safety initiatives, audits, and 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, 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.

Requirements

• Education and Experience
  • High School Diploma/GED: 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: 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.
• Skills
  • 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 and access files or equipment.
  • Exposure to wet and moist floors, including metal and plastic grating surfaces.
  • Exposure to temperatures ranging from 28°F to 100°F with both ambient and 100% humidity.
  • May handle products from 25°F to 50°F.
  • Exposure to noise ranges of 50 dB to 110 dB.
  • Exposure to chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facilities.
  • Must wear and use protective and safety equipment as required by the Company.