Plant Operations Manager

About the Role

Guides, directs, executes, and implements operational strategies and goals to ensure achievement of key objectives such as on-time delivery, cost of sales, safety of people and product, quality of the product, and human resource management. Oversees all manufacturing activities, drives continuous improvements, and ensures effective and efficient operations.

At Butterball, we exist to help people pass love on. As the most recognized name in turkey, the brand represents more than 60 years of cherished memories, providing quality, great-tasting products that make meals something to celebrate every day. We believe that life at Butterball means having a team who supports you, having the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, and making an impact on the health of others daily.

Responsibilities

• Manages a team of entry to established-level individual contributors and/or supervisors, providing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure successful delivery of department goals.
• Handles HR activities such as hiring, terminations, performance management, goal setting, team member development, and scheduling.
• Enforces and contributes to the development of systems, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in strategic planning for the function.
• Ensures all operations comply with regulations, company policies, quality standards, and contractual obligations while maximizing yields with minimal costs.
• Confers with leadership to develop action plans for equipment availability and to plan short and mid-term strategies for the plant.
• Seeks opportunities for cost-reduction projects and collaborates to optimize scheduled attainment and customer service.
• Evaluates production reports to ensure achievement of quality, financial, and safety goals, developing action plans to address opportunities.
• Observes talent base and promotes opportunities for management to upgrade skills through training, education, and project participation.
• Oversees programs that ensure the safety and health of team members.
• Manages the overall operating budget in line with the current business plan.
• Participates in safety audits, accident investigations, and other safety-related activities as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• 6+ years of relevant experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.
• 2+ years of leadership experience or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.

Skills

• Strong knowledge of the food manufacturing industry, USDA regulations and requirements, and safety and health programs.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations, human resources principles, and employment law.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to develop, mentor, coach, support, and motivate a team.
• Proficient communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills with the ability to interact at all levels of the organization internally and externally.
• Skilled in implementing schedules and understanding product flow.
• Proven ability to administer company policies in a fair and equal manner.
• Highly skilled at resource management, delegation, and prioritizing deliverables.
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Sound project management skills with the ability to impact results.

Butterball Core Competencies: Safety First, Integrity, Stewardship, Enthusiastic Attitudes, Continuous Improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, stoop, kneel, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. Occasionally, the employee may lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

Work will be performed in a variety of conditions including:

• Climate-controlled office environment(s).
• Manufacturing plant environment with varying conditions such as cold areas, wet areas, warm areas, exposure to chemicals, and other site conditions.
• Farm environment including working outdoors in seasonal conditions with live animals, and at times in dusty environments.

This position requires wearing personal protective equipment while in the manufacturing and farm environment. The individual may work around sick or diseased animals where additional precautions may be needed. The noise level in the office and farm environment is usually moderate, while the manufacturing environment may exceed 85 DBA and require hearing protection. Showering in and out of farm locations may be required. Some regional travel may be required.