Operations Manager - Protein

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating day-to-day manufacturing operations within a protein processing facility to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant production. This role oversees multiple departments-including production, packaging, sanitation, warehousing, and logistics-while driving performance in safety, quality, throughput, and cost control. The Operations Manager plays a key role in executing operational strategies, supporting continuous improvement, and developing a high-performing workforce.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct daily plant operations to ensure production targets are achieved safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

• Oversee staffing, scheduling, workflow, and labor utilization across production and support functions.

• Ensure compliance with USDA, FSIS, HACCP, SSOP, GMPs, animal welfare, and all food-safety requirements applicable to protein manufacturing.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on yield optimization, throughput improvement, waste reduction, and labor efficiency.

• Collaborate closely with maintenance, quality assurance, safety, warehousing, and supply chain teams to ensure seamless operations.

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline leaders to build a strong, engaged, and safety-focused organization.

• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions to improve operational performance.

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture through training, audits, and proactive risk management.

• Support budgeting, cost control, capital planning, and operational forecasting activities.

• Partner with senior leadership on strategic initiatives, capacity planning, and operational excellence programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience).

• 5-10+ years of progressive operations or production management experience in protein or food manufacturing environments.

• Strong understanding of protein processing operations and regulatory requirements.

• Proven leadership experience managing large teams in fast-paced, high-volume facilities.

• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, and performance analysis.

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

• Proficiency with ERP systems, production planning tools, and standard business software.

• Strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.