Plant Manager

DSJ Global; Porterville (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

DSJ Global is recruiting a Plant Manager for a leading food manufacturer in Porterville, CA. This on-site role drives end-to-end plant operations, including production, warehousing, sanitation, and maintenance, while aligning with safety and food safety standards.

The ideal candidate brings 10+ years in food manufacturing leadership, strong financial and cross-functional skills, and a proven track record of boosting efficiency, quality, and profitability in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• Proven track record managing large, complex plant operations.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting and cost analysis.
• Deep understanding of USDA/FDA regulations, HACCP, and food safety systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational performance.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership for plant operations, including production, distribution, warehousing, sanitation, and maintenance.
• Champion a culture of safety and food safety excellence, ensuring alignment with standards and regulatory requirements.
• Drive operational strategy and performance, setting short- and long-term goals for cost, quality, and efficiency.
• Own plant financial performance, including budgeting, labor planning, cost control, and margin improvement.
• Build and develop high-performing leadership teams, ensuring engagement, retention, and succession planning.
• Partner with regulatory agencies (USDA) and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance and alignment across operations.
• Lead continuous improvement, capital projects, and new product/process initiatives with technical and engineering teams.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Financial acumen

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field

Job description

A leading food manufacturer is seeking a Plant Manager to lead a high-volume processing facility. This role is responsible for the full operational performance of the plant, including production, warehousing, distribution, sanitation, and maintenance.

You will serve as the senior on-site leader, partnering cross-functionally with live production, supply chain, technical services, and corporate leadership to drive safety, food quality, operational efficiency, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

Location: Porterville, CA

• Provide overall leadership for plant operations, including production, distribution, warehousing, sanitation, and maintenance
• Champion a culture of safety and food safety excellence, ensuring alignment with company standards and regulatory requirements
• Drive operational strategy and performance, setting short- and long-term goals for cost, quality, and efficiency
• Own plant financial performance, including budgeting, labor planning, cost control, and margin improvement
• Build and develop high-performing leadership teams, ensuring engagement, retention, and succession planning
• Partner with regulatory agencies (USDA) and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance and alignment across operations
• Lead continuous improvement, capital projects, and new product/process initiatives in collaboration with technical and engineering teams

Leadership Expectations

• Foster a culture of engagement, accountability, and respect across all levels of the organization
• Maintain strong employee relations and ensure a compliant, inclusive, and harassment-free workplace
• Communicate effectively across operations, corporate leadership, and external partners
• Lead by example with a hands-on, floor-focused leadership style

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations, Engineering, or related field (preferred)
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing (poultry or protein highly preferred)
• Proven track record managing large, complex plant operations
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost analysis, and workforce planning
• Deep understanding of USDA/FDA regulations, HACCP, and food safety systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive operational performance
• Excellent communication and leadership skills