Operations Superintendent (Beef)

Position Summary

The Operations Superintendent oversees day-to-day production activities within the beef processing plant, ensuring efficient operations, product quality, employee safety, and regulatory compliance. This role provides leadership to production teams, drives process improvements, and supports the achievement of yield, throughput, and cost targets in line with company objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Management

• Supervise all aspects of beef processing operations (slaughter, fabrication, packaging, and cold storage).

• Ensure daily production targets are met while maintaining product quality and food safety standards.

• Monitor yields, efficiencies, and downtime; identify and resolve production bottlenecks.

• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices for processing.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors, team leads, and line operators.

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Coordinate workforce planning, training, and performance management.

• Foster positive employee relations and engagement across shifts.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Enforce strict adherence to food safety, animal welfare, and occupational health and safety regulations.

• Work closely with QA, Maintenance, and Engineering to address non-conformances or process deviations.

• Support audits and inspections from regulatory agencies (e.g., USDA, FSIS, or local equivalents).

Continuous Improvement & Efficiency

• Drive lean manufacturing initiatives and process optimization projects.

• Analyze production data to identify waste reduction and cost-saving opportunities.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement operational improvements.

Reporting & Administration

• Prepare and review daily/weekly operational performance reports (yields, downtime, labor, waste).

• Assist with budget preparation and control of departmental expenses.

• Ensure all documentation and recordkeeping meet regulatory and company requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

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

• Equivalent experience in meat or food processing operations considered.

Experience:

• 5-10 years of progressive experience in beef processing or meat manufacturing operations.

• Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or superintendent role.

• Strong understanding of HACCP, GMPs, and food safety regulations.

• Proven track record in managing production performance and labor efficiency.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability under pressure.

• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and KPI tracking.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency with ERP systems and production reporting tools.