Plant Operations Leader: Lean, Safety & Quality Excellence

Butterball; Ozark (AR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Butterball is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Manager to lead our Arkansas manufacturing site. You will drive production, schedule adherence, quality, safety, and cost performance while guiding a large cross-functional team toward annual goals.

The role requires hands-on leadership and a strong process-improvement mindset with familiarity in Lean/Six Sigma and USDA-regulated foods. You will partner with functions to ensure safe, efficient operations and high-quality product delivery.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• 8+ years of relevant experience or demonstrated ability.
• 2+ years of leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage a large team of individual contributors and leaders; oversee HR activities and budgeting.
• Ensure operations comply with regulations, policies, quality standards, and obligations; optimize costs.
• Oversee production, maintenance, quality control, shipping, schedules, inventory, safety programs; implement efficiency strategies.
• Create and monitor KPIs; support problem-solving and risk mitigation.
• Contribute to short/long-term planning and team goal development.
• Implement continuous improvement to reduce costs and improve profitability.
• Promote leadership development and training.
• Oversee safety programs and health of team members.
• Manage operating budget in line with business plan.
• Participate in safety audits and corrective actions.
• Communicate updates to leadership on goals and strategies.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

8+ years experience

2+ years leadership experience

Tools

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Job description

Butterball is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Manager to lead our Arkansas manufacturing site. You will drive production, schedule adherence, quality, safety, and cost performance while guiding a large cross-functional team toward annual goals.

The role requires hands-on leadership and a strong process-improvement mindset with familiarity in Lean/Six Sigma and USDA-regulated foods. You will partner with functions to ensure safe, efficient operations and high-quality product delivery.