Job Description
Judge Direct Placement is working with a USDA manufacturer in the Hatfield-Souderton, PA area seeking a disciplined, hands-on Plant Manager. This person will lead their slaughter and primary processing facility. This is a high-stakes role that requires a leader who can balance high-volume production targets with uncompromising food safety and animal welfare standards. While candidates with a background in the meat industry is preferred, we are open to veteran operational leaders from other fast-paced manufacturing sectors who have the grit to manage a demanding, "boots-on-the-ground" environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Production Leadership: Oversee the daily harvest and primary processing operations. Ensure the facility meets production targets while maintaining high product quality and yield.
- Compliance & Food Safety: Serve as the primary point of contact for USDA/FSIS inspectors. Ensure the facility meets all HACCP, SSOP, and humane handling regulations to keep the plant running without interruptions.
- Operational Efficiency: Monitor the bottom line by managing labor costs, reducing waste, and identifying bottlenecks in the production flow.
- Team Development: Lead, hire, and train a large, diverse workforce. Foster a culture of accountability and respect in a high-turnover, physically demanding industry.
- Safety & Maintenance: Enforce strict OSHA safety standards and coordinate with the maintenance team to ensure equipment is safe and downtime is minimized.
Qualifications
- Proven Leadership: Extensive experience managing large teams in a fast-paced manufacturing or industrial environment. You must be a "visible" leader who spends time on the floor.
- Regulatory Experience: A background working under strict government or safety oversight (Food, Pharma, or similar high-stakes industries).
- Industry Experience (Preferred): Previous experience in a slaughter or meat-processing facility is highly preferred but not required for a candidate with strong operational grit.
- Bilingual Skills: Ability to speak Spanish is a significant advantage for communicating with our production team.
- Financial Literacy: Basic understanding of P&L, budgeting, and how labor efficiency affects plant profitability.
- Resilience: Comfortable working in a facility that is cold, wet, and visceral. You must be able to lead effectively in a high-intensity environment.
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