Feed Mill Plant Manager

Christensen Farms•Atkinson, NE

About The Position

The Feed Mill Plant Manager has immediate responsibility for the property, plant, and equipment of an assigned Feed Mill. The role ensures efficient production of high-quality feed while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance. The manager leads the team, oversees production, manages budgets, and implements continuous-improvement initiatives to advance productivity and operational excellence. The position oversees feed production quality and processes, equipment maintenance and inspections, ingredient inventory and purchasing records, formula files and drug-use reconciliation, product sampling and laboratory records, plant cleanliness and grounds, and harvest activities such as corn drying and piling. The manager works closely with the Feed Mill Maintenance Manager on maintenance standards, equipment replacement, repairs, and projects, and maintains relationships with internal teams, vendors, contract producers, and government agencies. The manager provides direct and indirect supervision, including recruitment input, employee coaching and development, scheduling, performance evaluations, training, and accountability for production and financial results. The position also contributes to staffing plans and budgeting, manages subcontractor work in coordination with the maintenance manager, and supports compliance with company policies, FDA/FSMA requirements, and applicable laws and regulations. Evening or weekend work may be required.

Requirements

Minimum five years of prior job experience; the posting gives a range of 5–10 years.
Bachelor of Science from a four-year college or university in Agriculture, Science, Business, or equivalent experience.
Strong mechanical understanding of task-specific equipment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office products and scheduling software.
Thorough understanding of low-cost, high-efficiency delivery and maintenance processes.
Ability to manage and act in a fast-paced environment and adapt time and effort to priority areas.
Professionalism and a customer-service mindset.
Ability to provide leadership and motivation to operations, dispatch, and trucking staff.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to use teamwork to promote excellence.
Ability to maintain a high degree of accessibility to staff and customers.
Class D vehicle license; employment offer is contingent on motor vehicle record review for insurability.
Ability to comply with company, FDA/FSMA, and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Nice To Haves

Previous management experience, feed delivery operations experience, or experience in related areas is preferred.
Class A CDL is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Ensure consistency and quality standards for grinding, batching, pelleting, bin management, and load out.
Perform and document product quality-control processes.
Collaborate with the Feed Mill Maintenance Manager to develop and improve maintenance standards and programs for major equipment.
Ensure staff follow equipment maintenance protocols.
Diagnose feed-processing problems and adjust equipment as needed.
Maintain plant cleanliness, appearance, and grounds.
Ensure equipment inspections, cleaning, and calibrations are completed to support quality control.
Manage ingredient inventory according to SOP standards.
Enter and print feed ingredient purchase orders and receive goods.
Maintain formula files and reconcile drug usage daily.
Submit ingredient and feed samples to the laboratory and record results.
Maintain effective working relationships with accounting, technical services, vendors, contract producers, and government agencies.
Follow safety protocols and promote a safe workplace through Safety Committee participation and monthly department safety meetings.
Collaborate with the Feed Mill Maintenance Manager on parts and equipment replacement programs.
Oversee harvest activities, including corn drying and corn piling.
Provide input and direction in recruitment.
Lead, coach, develop, and supervise employees; hold staff accountable for production and financial results.
Participate in developing and executing a strategic staffing plan for the Feed Mill.
Schedule staff and approve time-off requests.
Prepare and communicate performance evaluations and plan reviews in a timely manner.
Assist with employee development training and monitor its use and effectiveness.
Use employee development planning, management development courses, and regular performance feedback to develop staff.
Assist the Feed Mill Maintenance Manager in managing subcontractors and ensuring work meets quality, bid, and specification requirements.
Assist with budgeting for Feed Mill repairs.
Partner with external project managers, in collaboration with the Feed Mill Maintenance Manager, to oversee installation of new equipment or modification of existing equipment.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Director of Feed Mill Operations.
Comply with company requirements, FDA/FSMA regulations, and applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.