We are currently looking to fill the following position: Value-Added Processing Manager
POSITION PURPOSE: The Value-Added Processing Manager reports to the Plant General Manager and partners with cross-functional plant leadership to provide strategic and operational leadership for all Value-Added and Grind operations. This role has full accountability for safety, quality, cost, delivery, and people leadership within value-added processing, with a strong emphasis on automation, process flow design, and continuous operational modernization. The Manager is responsible for optimizing production through effective use of automated equipment, line balancing, material flow optimization, data-driven decision making, and performance management systems, while ensuring compliance with food safety, regulatory, and union labor requirements. This role plays a key leadership part in new product development, yield optimization, labor efficiency, and cost management while fostering a culture of innovation, engagement, and leadership development.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Operational & Process Leadership- Provide overall leadership, direction, and accountability to the Value-Added and Grind supervisory teams for day-to-day operations.
- Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of automated processing systems, equipment utilization, and end-to-end process flows to maximize throughput, yields, labor efficiency, and equipment uptime.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation integration, waste reduction, yield recovery, labor optimization, and line performance.
- Utilize production data, KPIs, and system reporting to identify constraints, bottlenecks, and opportunities for process improvement.
- Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations aligned with company policies, food safety programs, and regulatory requirements.
Automation & Continuous Improvement- Serve as the operational champion for automation projects, including equipment selection, commissioning, startup support, and ongoing performance optimization.
- Partner with Maintenance, and IT teams to improve equipment reliability, PLC utilization, data capture, and system integration.
- Lead Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies to improve process capability, cycle time, and cost performance.
- Standardize work processes, SOPs, and training to support consistent execution across shifts and teams.
Product Development & Commercial Support- Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, QA, and customers on the development and commercialization of new value-added products.
- Evaluate manufacturing feasibility, equipment capability, yields, labor standards, and automation requirements for new products.
- Ensure product specifications accurately reflect production realities and that teams are trained to execute to specification.
Budgeting, Cost & Yield Management- Develop and manage the annual operating budget for Value-Added Processing, including labor, packaging, supplies, and overhead.
- Monitor expenses, analyze variances, and implement corrective actions to meet financial targets.
- Partner with Accounting to establish accurate product costing models that reflect yields, labor standards, automation efficiencies, and compliance costs.
Labor Relations & People Leadership- Work closely with Human Resources to support staffing strategies, leadership development, training programs, and employee retention.
- Ensure consistent, fair, and objective application of the union CBA.
- Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement through effective coaching and performance management.
Compliance & Food Safety- Ensure compliance with USDA, regulatory requirements, company policies, and food safety programs.
- Partner with QA to ensure food safety, sanitation, and product integrity standards are met or exceeded.
- Promote a strong safety culture focused on proactive hazard identification and risk reduction.
Employee Engagement & Collaboration- Actively support employee engagement initiatives and workforce development efforts.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships across Operations, HR, Sales, Marketing, Accounting, Maintenance, and QA.
- Serve as a visible leader on the floor, promoting open communication and continuous feedback.
QUALIFICATIONS: - Proven management experience in value-added further processing and grind operations (beef preferred).
- Extensive experience with manufacturing automation, production line optimization, and process flow design.
- Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement efforts in a high-volume, unionized manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of yields, costing, labor standards, and production KPIs.
- Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills.
- Solid computer skills, including Microsoft Office and manufacturing/reporting systems.
EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:- 7+ years of progressive experience in value-added further processing and grind operations (beef preferred).
- 5+ years of experience in a management or senior leadership role within a high-volume, food manufacturing environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, Food Science, or related field required.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
WAGE RANGE: $90,000-$110,000 per yearBENEFITS: Competitive benefit package offered for employees (and qualified dependents) working 30+ hours per week includes medical/dental/vision insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, 401k, PTO accrual up to 15 days per year, six (6) paid holidays annually, and three (3) floating holidays.
