Operations Manager - Raw Meat Processing

Jack Link's Protein Snacks • Perry, GA

10d • $110,000 - $130,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager – Raw Meat Processing is responsible for leading all raw meat production operations within a USDA‑regulated facility. This role oversees daily cut, grind, blend, stuffing, and raw‑material handling processes across all shifts. The Operations Manager ensures compliance with USDA‑FSIS regulations, HACCP, GMPs, and food safety programs while driving safety, yield performance, throughput, labor efficiency, and continuous improvement. This leader is accountable for process control, workflow optimization, equipment performance, and developing high‑performing teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Meat Science, Animal Science, Food Science, Engineering, or related field (preferred).
• 3–5 years of raw meat or protein processing experience in a USDA‑regulated facility (strongly preferred).
• Prior leadership experience managing production teams.
• Strong knowledge of USDA‑FSIS regulations, HACCP, GMPs, SSOPs, and Listeria control programs.
• Expertise in raw meat cutting, grinding, batching, blending, and raw‑material handling processes.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret operational data and drive results.
• Strong leadership, communication, coaching, and people‑development skills.
• Proficiency in ERP/MES systems and production reporting tools.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑risk environment requiring attention to detail.
• This is a full-time position operating on a Monday–Thursday schedule, with typical working hours of 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM or 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Candidates must be able to meet this schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead all raw processing operations including tempering, grinding, blending, batching, marination, and staging.
• Ensure staffing, scheduling, and line balancing meet daily production requirements.
• Monitor yield performance, throughput, labor utilization, and waste levels.
• Ensure consistent execution of daily production plans and customer order requirements.
• Ensure 100% compliance with USDA‑FSIS regulations, HACCP plans, GMPs, SSOPs, and humane handling requirements.
• Maintain control over CCPs, monitoring documents, raw‑material traceability, and pre‑op/post‑op results.
• Lead or support USDA interactions, including NRs, food safety findings, and verification activities.
• Partner with QA to investigate deviations, implement corrective actions, and validate process changes.
• Own execution of raw meat processing SOPs and standardized work.
• Ensure accuracy in formulations, batch weights, grind sizes, temperatures, and process parameters.
• Drive real‑time corrective action when process or performance issues occur.
• Conduct regular Gemba walks to verify process adherence, yields, and quality.
• Collaborate with Maintenance to ensure up time for grinders, mixers, stuffers, conveyors, weigh scales, and safety systems.
• Prioritize and communicate mechanical needs and ensure completion of PMs.
• Support troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis on recurring downtime or quality issues.
• Ensure equipment is properly set up, verified, and sanitized before shift start.
• Lead yield‑improvement, scrap‑reduction, and throughput‑enhancement initiatives.
• Apply Lean tools such as 5S, SMED, Kaizen, visual management, and root‑cause problem solving.
• Standardize best practices across shifts and conduct audits to ensure sustainment.
• Support plant automation and process‑change initiatives.
• Partner with Supply Chain for raw‑material availability, specs, and inventory management.
• Work with QA on food safety, sampling plans, micro‑results, and customer requirements.
• Coordinate with Sanitation to ensure hygienic zoning, allergen controls, and environmental monitoring.
• Collaborate with Packaging, Maintenance, and Warehouse to ensure smooth production flow.

Benefits

• Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees