Senior Plant Operations Manager

Butterball Careers•Ozark, AR

About The Position

The Senior Plant Operations Manager oversees the creation, implementation, and execution of operational strategies and goals to achieve on-time delivery, cost of sales, safety, product quality, and effective human resource management. This role oversees manufacturing activities, drives continuous improvement, and collaborates cross-functionally to meet product goals, reduce costs, and maintain high product quality. The position manages a large team of skilled individual contributors and/or people leaders, providing guidance, coaching, and support. It oversees plant operations across production, maintenance, quality control, shipping, production schedules, capacity utilization, inventory control, team member engagement, and safety programs. The manager develops and monitors operational strategies, budgets, workflows, and performance indicators; ensures compliance with regulations, company policies, quality standards, and contractual obligations; and supports problem-solving and risk mitigation. Work may take place in climate-controlled offices, manufacturing plants with varying conditions, and farm environments, including outdoors and around live animals. Personal protective equipment is required in manufacturing and farm environments. Regional travel may be required. The role is designated safety-sensitive under Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
At least 8 years of relevant experience, or demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.
At least 2 years of leadership experience, or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.
Advanced knowledge of the food manufacturing industry, USDA regulations and requirements, and safety and health programs and their administration.
Firm knowledge of OSHA regulations, human resources principles, and employment law.
Expertise in production planning, resource allocation, and cost management.
Leadership skills to develop, mentor, coach, support, and motivate a large cross-functional team of people leaders.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills, including the ability to influence people at all organizational levels internally and externally.
Proficiency in Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies, with the ability to identify and implement process improvements.
Project management skills and the ability to impact results.
Strategic thinking, innovation, and experience overseeing cross-functional initiatives.
Business acumen and the ability to identify and mitigate long-term risk.
Ability to perform duties that may involve standing, sitting, talking, hearing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, operating a computer, telephone, and keyboard, and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds.
Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment in manufacturing and farm environments; hearing protection may be required in manufacturing areas exceeding 85 dBA.
Ability to work around sick or diseased animals with additional precautions as needed; showering in and out of farm locations may be required.

Responsibilities

Manage a large team of skilled individual contributors and/or people leaders, providing guidance, coaching, and support to achieve department goals.
Oversee human resources activities, including hiring, terminations, performance management, goal setting, team member development, and scheduling.
Enforce and contribute to the development of systems, policies, and procedures.
Contribute to strategic planning and budget management for the function.
Ensure operations comply with regulations, company policies, quality standards, and contractual obligations while maximizing yields and minimizing costs.
Oversee plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality control, shipping, production schedules, capacity utilization, inventory control, team member engagement, and safety programs.
Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize workflows.
Create and monitor adherence to key performance indicators.
Support problem-solving, action plans, and risk mitigation strategies.
Contribute to short- and long-term planning strategies and guide team goals and action plans to align with organizational goals.
Implement continuous improvement methodologies across plant operations and deliver improvements in cost reduction, performance, and profitability.
Identify opportunities to upgrade management skills through training, education, and project participation.
Oversee programs that support team member safety and health.
Manage and help create the operating budget in line with the current business plan.
Participate in safety audits, accident investigations, and other safety-related activities as needed.
Implement corrective actions and promote a culture of safety.
Communicate operational goals and strategies to leadership.