Plant Manager (Beef)

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of a beef processing facility, ensuring efficient operations, compliance with food safety regulations, and delivery of high-quality products. This role drives operational performance, cost control, workforce management, and continuous improvement while maintaining strict adherence to health, safety, and animal welfare standards.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Management

• Lead daily plant operations including slaughter, processing, packaging, and distribution
• Ensure production targets, yields, and KPIs are consistently achieved
• Optimize plant efficiency, throughput, and resource utilization
• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (e.g., HACCP, BRC, FDA/USDA or equivalent local authorities)
• Maintain and enforce food safety, hygiene, and quality assurance standards
• Oversee audits, inspections, and corrective action processes

Health, Safety & Animal Welfare

• Promote a strong health and safety culture across the facility
• Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation
• Oversee humane handling and welfare of livestock in line with industry standards

People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop departmental managers and supervisors
• Manage workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management
• Foster a positive, high-performance culture and strong employee engagement

Financial & Commercial Performance

• Manage plant budget, cost control, and profitability
• Monitor operational costs and identify efficiency improvements
• Contribute to strategic planning and capital investment decisions

Supply Chain & Logistics

• Coordinate with procurement, livestock suppliers, and distribution teams
• Ensure smooth inbound livestock flow and outbound product delivery
• Minimize waste and maximize carcass utilization

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
• In-depth knowledge of meat processing operations
• Excellent understanding of food safety systems (HACCP, BRC, etc.)
• Financial acumen and cost management skills
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Agriculture, Engineering, or related field (preferred)
• 7-10+ years of experience in meat or food processing, with at least 3-5 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven experience managing large-scale production facilities
• Experience within the beef industry highly desirable

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced industrial environment with exposure to cold temperatures and processing areas
• Requires regular presence on the production floor
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Production efficiency and yield
• Cost per unit / margin performance
• Food safety and audit scores
• Health & safety incident rates
• Employee retention and engagement