Operations Manager (Beef Harvest)

The Operations Manager is responsible for managing all daily activities within the slaughter and harvest departments of a federally inspected beef processing facility. This role ensures efficient operations, product integrity, animal welfare, food safety, and regulatory compliance. The position leads a large, diverse workforce and partners with cross-functional teams to meet production goals, improve yields, and maintain the highest standards of safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee all slaughter operations, including animal receiving, stunning, hide removal, evisceration, carcass inspection, and chilling.

• Ensure production schedules, yield goals, and throughput targets are achieved safely and efficiently.

• Collaborate with fabrication, maintenance, and quality assurance departments to ensure seamless workflow throughout the plant.

• Maintain high standards of equipment performance and operational uptime.

Animal Welfare & Food Safety

• Ensure compliance with all USDA/FSIS regulations and Humane Handling of Livestock requirements.

• Maintain strict adherence to HACCP, SSOP, and GMP programs.

• Oversee humane handling programs and participate in animal welfare audits and training.

• Work closely with the Food Safety and Quality Assurance teams to identify, investigate, and correct any non-conformances or deviations.

Leadership & People Management

• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to supervisors, team leads, and frontline employees across multiple shifts.

• Foster a positive, safety-driven, and performance-based culture.

• Manage staffing levels, scheduling, and labor costs to meet production needs.

• Support employee development and career progression through training and mentoring.

Continuous Improvement & Efficiency

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance yield, reduce waste, and increase throughput.

• Drive lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to improve operational performance.

• Monitor operational data, metrics, and downtime reports to identify opportunities for improvement.

Safety, Compliance & Environmental Stewardship

• Enforce OSHA and company safety standards to ensure a safe work environment for all employees.

• Conduct regular safety meetings and audits to reinforce best practices.

• Ensure environmental compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Reporting & Financial Accountability

• Monitor daily performance metrics: yield, line speeds, downtime, and labor efficiency.

• Prepare and manage department budgets, forecasts, and cost-control initiatives.

• Provide regular operational performance reports to the Plant Manager and senior leadership.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, Meat Science, Food Technology, Operations Management, or related field preferred.

• Equivalent work experience in lieu of degree will be considered.

Experience:

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive experience in beef processing, with at least 5 years in slaughter or harvest management.

• Proven success in leading large production teams within a USDA-regulated facility.

• Deep understanding of slaughter process flow, yields, and regulatory compliance.

Technical Expertise:

• Comprehensive knowledge of USDA/FSIS regulations, HACCP, SSOP, GMP, and humane handling requirements.

• Strong grasp of beef carcass anatomy, grading, and yield optimization.

• Proficient in data analysis, production reporting, and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Ignition, or similar).