Plant Manager
Plant Manager
Location: Porterville, CA
About the Role
A leading food manufacturer is seeking a Plant Manager to lead a high-volume processing facility. This role is responsible for the full operational performance of the plant, including production, warehousing, distribution, sanitation, and maintenance.
You will serve as the senior on-site leader, partnering cross-functionally with live production, supply chain, technical services, and corporate leadership to drive safety, food quality, operational efficiency, and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership for plant operations, including production, distribution, warehousing, sanitation, and maintenance
- Champion a culture of safety and food safety excellence, ensuring alignment with company standards and regulatory requirements
- Drive operational strategy and performance, setting short- and long-term goals for cost, quality, and efficiency
- Own plant financial performance, including budgeting, labor planning, cost control, and margin improvement
- Build and develop high-performing leadership teams, ensuring engagement, retention, and succession planning
- Partner with regulatory agencies (USDA) and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance and alignment across operations
- Lead continuous improvement, capital projects, and new product/process initiatives in collaboration with technical and engineering teams
Leadership Expectations
- Foster a culture of engagement, accountability, and respect across all levels of the organization
- Maintain strong employee relations and ensure a compliant, inclusive, and harassment-free workplace
- Communicate effectively across operations, corporate leadership, and external partners
- Lead by example with a hands-on, floor-focused leadership style
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field (preferred)
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing (poultry or protein highly preferred)
- Proven track record managing large, complex plant operations
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost analysis, and workforce planning
- Deep understanding of USDA/FDA regulations, HACCP, and food safety systems
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational performance
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
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