Plant Manager

Perdue Farms; Kentucky; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Perdue Foods in Kentucky seeks a Plant Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership for manufacturing departments. You will drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost control while developing a high-performance culture and future leaders.

You will oversee production, maintenance, quality assurance, supply chain, and engineering, aligning plant goals with corporate strategy and leading continuous improvement initiatives to optimize performance and compliance.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years in a manufacturing environment with 4–6 years in a supervisory/leadership role.
• Bachelor’s or Associate degree candidates should have 3–5 years manufacturing experience and 4–6 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of plant operations to meet production schedules and quality standards.
• Lead and develop departmental leaders and manage workforce planning and talent development.
• Drive safety culture and regulatory compliance across the facility.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement quality assurance programs and SOPs.
• Analyze KPIs, identify trends, and implement corrective actions to optimize performance.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Data analysis

ERP familiarity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Associate degree in manufacturing or related field

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office / data tools

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

The Plant Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for departments within the manufacturing facility. This role is accountable for achieving multiple department goals in safety, quality, productivity, cost control, and associate development. The Plant Manager oversees departmental functions, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, supply chain, and engineering. They serve as the primary liaison between the Director of Operations and plant operations, driving multiple department initiatives, and continuous improvement. This role emphasizes building a high-performance culture, developing future leaders, and ensuring operational excellence across all levels of the organization.

People Development and Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop departmental leaders including Superintendents, Supervisors, and support staff to achieve plant objectives.
• Oversee workforce planning, succession development, and talent acquisition strategies to build a robust leadership pipeline.
• Champion a culture of accountability, inclusion, and engagement aligned with company values and leadership principles.
• Drive associate retention and performance through strategic development programs and coaching.

Safety and Risk Management

• Establish and enforce a proactive safety culture across departments, ensuring full compliance with safety, food safety, and environmental regulations.
• Lead safety initiatives, audits, and ensure continuous improvement in risk mitigation.
• Ensure safety compliance and regulatory adherence within the facility.

Food safety, Quality Standards and Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company policies, including HACCP, GMPs, and sanitation protocols.
• Lead cross-functional teams to implement quality assurance programs and SOPs that exceed industry standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, enhance product quality, and prevent recalls.
• Champion lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize plant performance.
• Ensure full compliance with environmental laws and regulations across the facility, including air and water quality, waste management, and hazardous materials.
• Lead sustainability initiatives and collaborate with corporate teams to meet environmental goals.

Production Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, customer specifications, and quality standards.
• Optimize resource allocation including labor, materials, and equipment to ensure cost effective operations.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.

Reporting and Communication

• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of plant performance metrics including output, quality, safety, and financials.
• Analyze KPIs to identify trends and lead corrective actions.
• Serve as the primary communication link between plant operations and corporate leadership.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among departments to achieve plant goals.

Metrics of Success

• Achievement of production, quality, and financial KPIs.
• Reduction in safety incidents and improved audit scores.
• Improved associate engagement and retention.
• Successful execution of strategic initiatives and cost-saving programs.
• Compliance with all regulatory and corporate standards.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma/GED equivalent candidates must have a minimum of 5-7 years in a manufacturing environment, with at least 4-6 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Bachelors/Associates degree candidates must have a minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing experience and 4-6 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

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.

When in a plant environment

• Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, and processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.