Plant Manager

Judge Direct Placement; Delaware; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Judge Direct Placement is seeking two experienced Plant Managers to lead operations at facilities in Delaware and Kentucky. These roles require strategic leadership to drive performance, safety, quality, and team development in fast-paced food manufacturing environments.

You will own operations, develop teams, and drive KPI performance across yield, throughput, and costs while ensuring regulatory compliance. Strong background in lean/Six Sigma and ERP systems is preferred.

Qualifications

• 5 years of food manufacturing experience, especially proteins.
• 4 years of supervisory experience.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional teams and large-scale operations.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.
• Experience with ERP systems and data-driven decision making.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Own plant operations including production, safety, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement.
• Lead and develop salaried and hourly teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Drive KPI performance across yield, throughput, labor efficiency, cost, and service.
• Champion a strong safety culture and regulatory compliance.
• Lead strategic initiatives to reduce waste and enhance plant performance.
• Partner with engineering, quality, supply chain, HR, and leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Data analysis

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Our client is seeking two experienced, high‑impact Plant Managers to lead operations at our facilities in Delawareand Kentucky. These are strategic leadership roles responsible for driving performance, safety, quality, and team development in fast‑paced, high‑volume food manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Full ownership of plant operations, including production, safety, quality, maintenance, and continuous improvement
• Lead and develop salaried and hourly teams to achieve operational excellence
• Drive KPI performance across yield, throughput, labor efficiency, cost, and customer service
• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure regulatory compliance
• Lead strategic initiatives to improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance plant performance
• Partner cross‑functionally with engineering, quality, supply chain, HR, and corporate leadership

Location Options

• DE Plant Manager – Large-scale meat processing facility with strong community presence
• KY Plant Manager – High‑volume production environment with opportunities for modernization and growth

Qualifications

• 5 years of Food Manufacturing experience, especially proteins
• 4 years of supervisory experience
• Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale operations
• Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ERP systems
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Excellent communication and leadership capabilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools