Plant Manager - Poultry

The pay starting amount shown is a general estimate. Actual pay will depend on the candidate’s experience, skills, and qualifications, as well as internal equity and business needs.

Position Summary

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and performance of the assigned poultry processing facility. This role oversees all plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, and logistics, to ensure efficient, safe, and cost-effective manufacturing. The Plant Manager is accountable for meeting production targets, optimizing operational performance, managing plant resources, and ensuring consistent product output that meets customer and Company expectations.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operations Management

• Direct and oversee all daily plant operations to ensure production schedules, volume targets, and operational goals are achieved.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and implement corrective actions to address variances.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across production, maintenance, quality, and shipping to ensure smooth operations.
• Ensure effective utilization of labor, equipment, and materials to maximize efficiency and minimize waste.

Production & Performance Optimization

• Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
• Implement process improvements to enhance throughput, yield, and operational efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across all areas of plant operations.
• Ensure production processes align with company standards and customer requirements.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop department managers and supervisors to build a high-performing leadership team.
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold leaders accountable for results.
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Support workforce planning, hiring, and talent development initiatives.

Financial & Resource Management

• Manage the plant budget, including labor, overhead, and operational expenses.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining operational effectiveness.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure alignment with company goals.
• Approve expenditures and manage capital improvement initiatives.

Maintenance & Asset Management

• Oversee plant maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Partner with maintenance leadership to plan preventive and corrective maintenance activities.
• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and facility improvements.

Operational Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure adherence to company policies, operational procedures, and regulatory requirements within plant operations.
• Partner with quality and safety teams to address operational risks and implement corrective actions.
• Lead plant readiness for internal and external audits and inspections.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provides leadership and direction to the plant leadership team, including production managers, maintenance manager, quality manager, and support functions.
• Oversees a multi-level workforce including supervisors and hourly employees (typically 200+ employees, depending on facility size).

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High school diploma required; Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Management, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing; poultry processing preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams in a manufacturing environment.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to analyze data and drive operational improvements.
• Financial acumen and budget management experience.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a combination of office and poultry processing environments. The employee splits time between a professional office setting and active production areas. Work in production areas may include exposure to:

• Cold, refrigerated environments (Fresh Processing)
• Warm or hot areas near ovens, fryers, or cooking equipment (Further Processing/Ready-to-Eat)
• Wet and humid conditions with floors that may be wet or slippery
• Moderate to high noise levels requiring hearing protection
• Raw poultry products and strong food-related odors
• Common food allergens used in production, including but not limited to wheat, soy, milk, sesame, and egg

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds, with or without assistance.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including speaking, hearing, and exchanging information in person and via phone or video.
• Ability to regularly walk production floors (extended standing/walking) and climb stairs/platforms to access equipment and process observation points.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Food Safety and Quality Expectations

Gold Creek Foods is committed to producing safe, legal, and high-quality food products. All employees are responsible for complying with all company food safety, quality, and sanitation programs, preventing contamination and protecting product integrity, immediately reporting food safety or quality concerns to leadership, and supporting audit readiness and continuous improvement initiatives.

General Safety Statement

All employees are expected to work safely at all times by following all company safety policies, procedures, and regulations. This includes complying with OSHA, USDA, and other applicable laws, as well as Gold Creek Foods’ internal safety standards. Each team member is responsible for maintaining a safe work environment — reporting hazards and near misses, using required personal protective equipment (PPE) when required, and participating in safety training and programs as directed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Management: 5 years (Required)

Language:

• English and Spanish (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Gainesville, GA 30504 (Required)

Work Location: In person