Operations Manager Poultry Processing

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Operations Manager

• Poultry Processing is responsible for providing hands-on leadership and full operational accountability for all production activities including inbound raw materials, raw sizing, Ready-To-Cook (RTC) further processing, packaging, and shipment of finished goods.

This role oversees day-to-day plant operations and ensures production targets, labor efficiency, yield performance, product quality, and on-time shipping objectives are achieved. This position requires a strong presence on the production floor working directly with the Raw Sizing Team, Ready-To-Cook Team, Shipping Team, and Sanitation Team. The Operations Manager reports directly to the Facility General Manager / Plant Manager and works cross-functionally with Safety, Quality, Maintenance, HR, Finance, and Supply Chain. The Operations Manager is accountable for operational performance, labor management, cost control, continuous improvement, and building a high-performance production culture.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational Leadership
• Provide daily leadership for Raw Sizing and Ready-To-Cook operations (Marination, Batter-Bread, Fry, Freeze, Package)
• Direct and manage 1st and 2nd shift production operations
• Ensure production schedules are executed efficiently and on time
• Maintain strong floor presence and actively monitor production performance
• Lead daily start-up meetings and shift performance reviews
• Ensure proper staffing levels and labor allocation Production & Performance Accountability
• Responsible for daily production output and throughput
• Manage labor cost, overtime and staffing efficiency
• Monitor RTC line performance and downtime
• Improve changeover time and line efficiency Labor Management
• Direct supervision of Production Supervisors and Leads
• Coach, mentor, and develop production leadership team
• Enforce accountability across shifts
• Address performance and attendance issues with HR partnership
• Improve workforce productivity and engagement Cost Control & Efficiency
• Manage production budgets and cost targets
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives
• Improve operational efficiency and labor utilization Safety & Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with USDA/FSIS, OSHA, and HACCP requirements
• Enforce safety policies and safe work practices
• Identify and correct safety risks
• Support

BRC / GFSI

standards and food safety programs

• Maintain allergen and specialty production requirements (Halal, Gluten Free, etc.) Cross-Functional Coordination
• Partner with Maintenance to reduce downtime
• Coordinate with Quality to ensure product standards
• Work with Supply Chain to meet customer demand
• Support HR with staffing and employee relations

DIRECT REPORTS

• Production Supervisors (Sizing & RTC)
• Shipping Supervisor
• Sanitation Supervisor
• Production Leads

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 5+ years experience in poultry or food manufacturing operations leadership
• Poultry processing experience strongly preferred
• Experience Ready-to-Cook and Sizing operations preferred
• Experience with breaded, battered, fried, and frozen poultry products preferred
• Experience managing high labor-dependency production environments
• Strong understanding of USDA/FSIS and HACCP programs
• Knowledge of OSHA safety requirements
• Experience with BRC or GFSI preferred
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Proven ability to drive productivity and yield improvements
• Financial acumen including labor and efficiency metrics
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced production environment

CANDIDATES ARE EXPECTED TO

• Work varying shifts and weekends as operational needs require
• Spend significant time on the production floor
• Maintain strong operational discipline and accountability
• Communicate effectively with all departments
• Promote a positive and productive work environment
• Identify and resolve operational issues proactively
• Enforce safe work practices across all shifts

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's Degree in Operations, Production, Business, Food Science, Engineering, or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires working in both office and production environments. The production environment includes wet and humid conditions, cold areas, moving mechanical equipment, and moderate to loud noise levels. The role requires frequent walking on the production floor and interaction with employees and equipment. The salary is negotiable based on experience and qualifications .

Pay:

From $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Health insurance

Work Location:

In person