Plant Manager

Willamette Egg Farms LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

HSA with company match

Paid time Off

Paid Holidays

401K with company match

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Versova is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee multiple processing plant operations, driving efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance in a food production environment. You will lead staff, manage inventories, and collaborate with QA, maintenance, safety, and HR to optimize production and achieve continuous improvement.

Responsibilities include budgeting, cost control, and ensuring audit readiness while maintaining strong safety culture.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of leadership experience in food processing, beverage, or manufacturing.
• Experience working with USDA or other regulatory agencies.
• High-level documentation and written procedure skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform duties of processing plant staff.
• Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop plant staff to create a high-performing workforce.
• Ensure safety, compliance, and teamwork culture in the plant.
• Develop and implement plans to maximize efficiency with quality standards.
• Manage egg and packaging inventories, including ordering and receiving.
• Oversee plant supply management: chemicals, labels, PPE, and parts.
• Maintain and improve processes through training and continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage the plant budget and cost-control measures.
• Establish accountability for problem-solving and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, DNR, EPA, SQF, GMP, and related regs.
• Manage on-site laboratory and quality team.
• Collaborate with other departments to align operational goals.
• Serve as point of contact for regulatory bodies and audit readiness.
• Handle customer R&M budget and direct customer interactions on scheduling.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Food processing knowledge

Communication skills

Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Business, Industrial Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

Data tracking systems

Job description

The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of multiple, independent processing plant operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with all regulatory requirements. This role involves managing plant personnel, optimizing production processes, maintaining inventory, and ensuring adherence to food safety and biosecurity protocols. The Plant Manager collaborates with cross-functional teams, including quality control, maintenance, safety, and human resources, to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead and develop plant staff to create a high-performing and engaged workforce
• Ensure a strong culture of safety, compliance, and teamwork within the plant
• Develop and implement operational plans to maximize efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards
• Manage and track egg and packaging inventories, ensuring optimal stock levels, including ordering, inventory management, and receiving responsibilities
• Oversee plant supply management, including chemicals, labels, PPE, and parts
• Maintain and improve plant processes through training, implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop and manage the plant's budget and cost-control measures to ensure financial stewardship
• Establish accountability measures for problem-solving and cost-reduction initiatives
• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, DNR, EPA, SQF, GMP, and all relevant food safety regulation
• Manage the on-site laboratory and quality team
• Foster collaboration with other departments to ensure alignment on operational goals and efficiency
• Serve as the key point of contact for regulatory bodies and ensure audit readiness at all times
• Handle customer R&M budget along with direct customer interactions on scheduling, timing, and availability
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong leadership, team-building, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of food processing, quality control, and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data tracking systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Ability to work in various climate conditions, including extreme heat and cold environments.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of leadership experience in food processing, beverage, or manufacturing industries.
• Experience working with USDA or other regulatory agencies.
• High-level documentation and written procedure skills.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and perform all duties of processing plant personnel.
• Availability to work weekends and holidays as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Business, Industrial Management, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in process improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma.
• Previous experience in large-scale food production facilities.

The primary work environment for this position is a food processing facility, which involves exposure to industrial equipment, chemicals, and temperature variations. The role requires frequent standing, walking, lifting, and performing manual tasks. The Plant Manager must be physically capable of these activities and comfortable working in an industrial setting. Additionally, availability for emergency or on-call situations is necessary, as the nature of food processing operations may require attention outside of regular business hours.

About Us:

Versova is one of the largest egg producers in the United States, bringing together family-owned farms in Iowa, Ohio, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and Colorado. With over six decades of industry experience, our team of more than 2,000 employees is dedicated to exceptional flock care, environmental stewardship, and producing safe, high-quality eggs. More than just a workplace, Versova is a team built on shared values, working together to enrich our communities and uphold the highest ethical standards.

As a family of companies and a company of families, we are guided by a strong set of Core Values: Recognition, Initiative, Safety & Security, Service, Community, Respect, Integrity, Ownership, and Excellence. These values drive our commitment to responsible employment, sustainability, and industry innovation. When you join Versova, you become part of something bigger - working together to lead the future of egg production with integrity and excellence.

• Regular performance reviews
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• HSA with company match
• Paid time OffPaid Holidays
• 401K with company match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Posting Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.

Disclosure

This job description is not exhaustive, as employees may perform additional related duties as needed. Employment is based on an 'at-will' basis. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, as applicable to the role and in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

Location(s)

2652 250th Street, Clarion , Iowa 50525 , United States