Operations Manager (Beef)

Role Overview

The Operations Manager will oversee day-to-day production, processing, and distribution activities within a beef operation, ensuring efficiency, compliance, safety, and product quality. This individual will be responsible for leading teams, optimizing processes across the supply chain, managing budgets, and ensuring adherence to USDA, FDA, OSHA, and industry standards. The role requires strong leadership, problem-solving ability, and an in-depth understanding of beef production and processing operations in the U.S. market.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership

  • Manage daily operations across production, processing, packing, and distribution.

  • Implement and monitor KPIs to ensure operational targets for throughput, yield, quality, and cost are met.

  • Drive process improvements to maximize efficiency and reduce waste.

• Compliance & Safety

  • Ensure all operations comply with USDA, FDA, OSHA, and state/local regulations.

  • Oversee food safety, HACCP, and animal welfare protocols.

  • Lead audits and ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively.

• Team Management

  • Supervise, coach, and develop frontline supervisors and operational staff.

  • Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

  • Ensure adequate staffing, training, and scheduling for operational demands.

• Supply Chain & Logistics

  • Coordinate with procurement, suppliers, and distribution partners to ensure timely delivery of cattle, feed, packaging, and finished product.

  • Manage inventory and oversee cold storage and transportation logistics.

• Financial & Strategic Management

  • Monitor budgets, cost controls, and financial performance of operations.

  • Support strategic planning for capacity expansion, capital projects, and new technologies.

  • Prepare reports and present operational performance to senior management.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Animal Science, Meat Science, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field. Master's degree preferred.

• Experience:

  • 5-7+ years of operations management experience, ideally within beef, meat processing, or agri-food industries.

  • Demonstrated success in managing large teams and complex supply chain operations.

  • Experience with USDA/FDA regulatory compliance and HACCP programs required.

• Skills & Competencies:

  • Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

  • Proven ability to analyze data, optimize processes, and drive continuous improvement.

  • Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and cost control.

  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Working Conditions

• Role involves significant time on the production floor, in cold storage environments, and outdoors around livestock.

• Occasional travel may be required to feedlots, suppliers, and distribution centers.

• Must be comfortable with biosecurity protocols and physical demands of the industry.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Performance-based bonuses.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Retirement plan (401k).

• Paid time off and company holidays.

• Professional development and training opportunities.