Plant Operations Leader — Food Processing & Growth

The Judge Group, INC.; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Judge Direct Placement in Visalia, CA is seeking a Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations, drive safety, quality, and efficiency, and build a culture of accountability. You will manage a skilled team, set production goals, optimize processes, collaborate with engineering, QA, and USDA teams, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.

This role demands strategic leadership, strong financial acumen, and a track record of delivering cost and productivity improvements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration or related fields.
• 10+ years of progressive responsibility in management within the food processing industry, poultry preferred.
• Financial understanding including budgeting, staffing, and cost analysis.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Champion team member and food safety.
• Lead workforce development and positive employee relations.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, labor laws, and EEO standards.
• Build leadership talent and support business growth.
• Foster an inclusive, engaged, and respectful workplace culture.
• Set and achieve production goals for cost, quality, and profitability.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance manufacturing performance.
• Drive safety programs aligned with company values and objectives.
• Support product development, quality assurance, and engineering initiatives.
• Improve processes, equipment, and systems to drive growth and efficiency.
• Partner with Marketing and USDA teams to ensure product innovation and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Cost analysis

Communication

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Job description

Judge Direct Placement in Visalia, CA is seeking a Plant Manager to lead manufacturing operations, drive safety, quality, and efficiency, and build a culture of accountability. You will manage a skilled team, set production goals, optimize processes, collaborate with engineering, QA, and USDA teams, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.

This role demands strategic leadership, strong financial acumen, and a track record of delivering cost and productivity improvements.