Plant Manager (Poultry)

Position Summary

The Plant Manager oversees all operational aspects of a high-volume poultry processing facility, including live receiving, evisceration, debone, cut-up, packaging, and further processing operations. This role is accountable for production performance, safety, quality, yield, labor efficiency, and compliance with all USDA and company standards.

The Plant Manager provides strategic leadership and direction to the management team to ensure the plant operates at peak performance, maintains regulatory compliance, and delivers consistent product quality while fostering a safe and positive work environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct and manage all plant operations to achieve production, yield, and cost targets.

• Oversee all departments: live receiving, evisceration, debone, packaging, maintenance, sanitation, and shipping.

• Develop and execute daily and long-term production plans in coordination with supply chain and sales.

• Ensure all operational KPIs (throughput, yields, downtime, labor efficiency) are met or exceeded.

• Drive operational excellence through continuous improvement, lean principles, and process optimization.

Food Safety & Quality Assurance

• Ensure strict adherence to USDA/FSIS regulations, HACCP, SSOP, and GMP programs.

• Maintain product integrity, quality standards, and food safety protocols throughout all processes.

• Partner with QA and Food Safety departments to lead audits, implement corrective actions, and uphold compliance.

• Promote a culture of "zero tolerance" for food safety deviations.

People Leadership & Culture

• Lead, mentor, and develop the plant's management team, supervisors, and workforce.

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

• Promote teamwork and communication across all levels of the plant.

• Manage workforce planning, labor relations, performance evaluations, and succession planning.

• Champion diversity, inclusion, and employee engagement initiatives.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Enforce OSHA standards and company safety policies to ensure a safe work environment.

• Conduct regular safety audits, risk assessments, and training programs.

• Drive proactive injury prevention and ensure compliance with environmental and wastewater regulations.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual plant budget, including labor, maintenance, and capital expenditures.

• Analyze operational data and implement cost-reduction and efficiency initiatives.

• Maintain accurate and timely production, yield, and cost reporting.

• Partner with finance and procurement to optimize resource utilization and profitability.

Strategic & Continuous Improvement

• Identify, recommend, and implement process and equipment improvements.

• Lead capital projects and modernization initiatives.

• Drive lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies.

• Align plant strategy with corporate objectives for growth, innovation, and sustainability.

Qualifications & Experience

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Poultry Science, Animal Science, Food Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

• Advanced degree (MBA, MS) preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in poultry or meat processing operations, with 5+ years in senior plant leadership.

• Proven success managing large, USDA-inspected poultry operations.

• Strong background in live-to-finished poultry processing (first and second processing).

• Demonstrated expertise in food safety, yield management, labor efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

• Experience leading multi-shift operations and managing 500+ employees preferred.

Technical Expertise:

• Deep knowledge of USDA/FSIS regulations, HACCP, SSOP, and GMP programs.

• Strong understanding of poultry plant design, flow, and key processing equipment.

• Proficiency in ERP and production management systems (SAP, Ignition, or equivalent).

• Familiarity with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equivalent process improvement methodologies.

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership and organizational vision.

• Strong decision-making and problem-solving ability.

• Excellent communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.

• Financial and analytical acumen.

• Commitment to food safety, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.

• High integrity, resilience, and results orientation.