Plant Manager (Junior) Meat Processing - Leadership Development Track

Job Title Plant Manager (Junior) Meat Processing – Leadership Development Track Location 30 minutes outside South Bend, Indiana Job Summary Are 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 Gain Mentorship 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: 1. Plant Operations & Production Management Assist 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. 2. Food Safety & Compliance Learn and uphold USDA, FDA, OSHA, and HACCP food safety regulations. Contribute to the halal certification process. Support documentation and readiness for audits and inspections. 3. Team Leadership & Workforce Management Manage 3–5 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. 4. Cost Awareness & Financial Metrics Learn to track and interpret KPIs across cost, quality, and throughput. Participate in cost‑saving initiatives and supply chain coordination. 5. Continuous Improvement Identify improvement opportunities and participate in Kaizen events. Work on efficiency gains, waste reduction, and technology adoption. 6. Cross‑Functional Collaboration Work 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 & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Engineering, Operations, or equivalent experience. 5–8 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 Certifications HACCP Certification (Required) OSHA Safety Certification (Preferred) Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement experience is a plus Skills & Traits Hands‑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 & Schedule Location: On‑site, 30 mins outside South Bend, Indiana Schedule: Full‑time with occasional availability for urgent plant issues Environment: Includes physical activity and cold/refrigerated areas Travel: Occasional training, vendor visits, or leadership events Compensation & Benefits Competitive base salary with leadership bonus eligibility Structured development plan and 1:1 mentorship Why This Role, Why Now This 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 plant—you’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. #J-18808-Ljbffr