Job Description
Growing USDA manufacturer in the Beaumont, TX area is seek a Plant Manager with experience in a RTE/cooked or smokehouse meats manufacturing environment. This person will be responsible for the overall operational leadership and strategic direction of their facility. This key leadership role ensures the efficient, safe, and high-quality production of cooked meat products, meeting all regulatory, customer, and internal standards. The Plant Manager will oversee all aspects of plant operations, including production, quality assurance, food safety, maintenance, inventory management, logistics, and personnel development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Operational Leadership:
- Direct and manage all plant operations, including cooking, smoking, processing, packaging, sanitation, and warehousing, to ensure production targets are met efficiently and effectively.
- Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to optimize productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall plant performance.
- Monitor and analyze production data, KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), and financial reports to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions.
- Oversee the scheduling of production, staffing, and resources to meet demand and maximize utilization.
- Implement and champion continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, 5S) to drive efficiency and cost reduction.
- Food Safety and Quality Assurance:
- Ensure strict compliance with all food safety regulations (USDA, FDA, HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs) and company quality standards.
- Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of robust food safety and quality management systems specific to cooked meats and smokehouse operations.
- Lead and participate in internal and external audits (USDA, third-party, customer), addressing any non-conformities and implementing corrective and preventative actions.
- Maintain a strong focus on product integrity, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
- Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of production supervisors, leads, and frontline employees.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that promotes safety, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Responsible for workforce planning, including recruitment, hiring, training, performance management, and employee relations.
- Conduct regular team meetings, performance reviews, and provide constructive feedback.
- Safety and Environmental Compliance:
- Promote and enforce a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with all OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
- Conduct regular safety audits and investigations, implementing preventative measures and corrective actions for any incidents.
- Oversee environmental compliance, including waste management and energy efficiency initiatives.
- Financial Management:
- Manage the plant's P&L (Profit & Loss) by developing and managing operational budgets, controlling costs, and identifying opportunities for cost savings.
- Analyze financial performance, forecast expenditures, and ensure efficient allocation of resources.
- Collaborate with finance and sales teams to align production with business goals and financial objectives.
- Maintenance and Engineering:
- Collaborate with the Maintenance department to ensure optimal equipment uptime, preventative maintenance programs, and efficient repairs.
- Oversee capital improvement projects and new equipment installations.
- Understand the specific operational mechanics and maintenance needs of smokehouses, ovens, and other cooked meat processing equipment.
- Supply Chain and Logistics:
- Coordinate with procurement to ensure timely and quality raw material delivery.
- Oversee inventory management of raw materials, work-in-progress, and finished goods.
- Collaborate with logistics to ensure efficient shipping and delivery of finished products.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field. (Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree).
- Experience:
- Minimum of [7-10+] years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on cooked meats processing and/or smokehouse operations.
- Proven experience as a Plant Manager or a senior production leadership role in a similar environment.
- Demonstrated success in managing P&L, budgets, and driving operational efficiencies.
- In-depth knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP principles, GMPs, and other relevant food safety standards.
- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma) preferred
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