Plant Manager (Junior) Meat Processing Leadership Development Track

Plant Manager (Junior) Meat Processing Leadership Development TrackAre you a seasoned production supervisor or operations lead ready for your next big step? Join us as a Junior Plant Manager on a leadership development path where you'll be mentored to become a full-scale plant leader. You'll gain end-to-end exposure to plant operations, food safety systems, and people management in a growing, impact-driven meat processing facility. We offer a hands-on environment where innovation, learning, and operational excellence go hand in hand.This is your opportunity to fast-track your career with the full support of experienced leadership who are committed to mentoring and growing future industry leaders.What You'll GainMentorship by senior leaders with decades of experience in food manufacturing.Strategic exposure to plant performance, audits, halal certification, and cost controls.Defined growth path to plant manager roles as you deliver results and grow.A collaborative, innovation-focused culture where your voice matters and your ideas shape the floor.Key Responsibilities:Plant Operations & Production ManagementAssist in managing daily production operations with a focus on quality, safety, and efficiency.Apply lean principles to reduce waste and improve processes.Support production planning, equipment uptime, and staffing to meet targets.Food Safety & ComplianceLearn and uphold USDA, FDA, OSHA, and HACCP food safety regulations.Contribute to the halal certification process.Support documentation and readiness for audits and inspections.Team Leadership & Workforce ManagementManage 35 direct reports in a hands-on production environment.Coach and develop team members in safety, compliance, and production skills.Promote a positive work culture and support cross-functional communication.Cost Awareness & Financial MetricsLearn to track and interpret KPIs across cost, quality, and throughput.Participate in cost-saving initiatives and supply chain coordination.Continuous ImprovementIdentify improvement opportunities and participate in Kaizen events.Work on efficiency gains, waste reduction, and technology adoption.Cross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with the QA team, maintenance, logistics, and leadership.Build relationships with vendors and support end-to-end operational flow.What We're Looking For:Education & ExperienceBachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Engineering, Operations, or equivalent experience.58 years of experience in food manufacturing, with at least 3 years in meat or protein production.2+ years in a leadership or supervisory role with direct reports.Exposure to HACCP, GMPs, or other food safety standards is preferred.Preferred CertificationsHACCP Certification (Required)OSHA Safety Certification (Preferred)Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement experience is a plusSkills & TraitsHands-on leadership style and desire to grow.Strong decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills.Passion for continuous improvement and high-quality food production.Comfortable working in cold/refrigerated environments.Work Environment & ScheduleOn-site, 30 mins outside South Bend, IndianaFull-time with occasional availability for urgent plant issuesIncludes physical activity and cold/refrigerated areasOccasional training, vendor visits, or leadership eventsCompensation & Benefits:Competitive base salary with leadership bonus eligibilityStructured development plan and 1:1 mentorshipWhy This Role, Why NowThis is a unique chance to step into a high-impact, growth-focused role in a company that's scaling fast and investing in talent. You won't just "run" the plantyou'll build the skills to one day lead it. We're not just filling a seat; we're shaping the next generation of operations leadership.How to Apply:Apply via the below linkApply NowApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.Note: This job description outlines the general scope of responsibilities. Duties may evolve over time to reflect your growth and the needs of the facility.