2nd processing production manager

We are a leading poultry manufacturing company, proudly producing high-quality products for the nation's top retail and foodservice brands. Our focus on innovation, food safety, and operational excellence has positioned us as a trusted partner to the quick-service and fast-food industry. As we continue to grow, we're seeking an experienced Production Manager (2nd Processing) to lead and optimize operations within our further processing department.

Role Overview
The Production Manager (2nd Processing) will oversee all second-processing operations - including deboning, portioning, marination, and packaging - ensuring that product quality, safety, and production efficiency meet or exceed company and customer expectations. Candidates with prior fast-food or QSR production experience will be especially well-suited, as this role requires a deep understanding of high-volume, specification-driven, and time-sensitive production environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations for 2nd processing lines, ensuring production schedules are met with maximum efficiency and quality.

• Manage and develop team members across deboning, marination, packaging, and related functions.

• Ensure strict adherence to customer specifications, especially for fast-food/QSR accounts, including portion control, yield, and consistency.

• Monitor and analyze production KPIs (yield, throughput, downtime, labor efficiency) to drive continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with QA, maintenance, and operations teams to maintain compliance with food safety and USDA/FSIS regulations.

• Champion a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability on the production floor.

• Implement Lean manufacturing and process optimization initiatives to improve productivity and reduce waste.

• Partner with planning and logistics teams to align production with customer demand and delivery timelines.

• Ensure proper training, cross-training, and leadership development for supervisory staff and frontline employees.

• Support the Plant Manager and senior leadership in strategic projects and performance improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Poultry Science, Food Science, Operations Management, or related field (preferred).

• Minimum 5+ years of production management experience in poultry, meat, or food manufacturing.

• Proven background in fast-food or quick-service (QSR) product manufacturing - such as portioned, marinated, or breaded products.

• Strong understanding of USDA/FSIS regulations, HACCP, GMP, and food safety standards.

• Demonstrated ability to lead large production teams in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies (preferred).

• Data-driven and results-oriented mindset with a focus on efficiency and quality.