Plant Superintendent (Swing Shift)

Foster Farms; Demopolis (AL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Foster Farms in Demopolis, Alabama is seeking a Superintendent to lead safety and operational performance in the processing department. The role focuses on scheduling, staffing, food quality, and employee engagement, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in business management and at least five years of experience in the food processing industry. This is a critical position to support our mission of delivering safe, high-quality food.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of progressive experience in food processing.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to evaluate team members fairly and effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety and operational performance within the processing department.
• Oversee scheduling and staffing of manufacturing departments.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators for departmental performance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Decision-making

Safety practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in business management or related field

Tools

Forklift

Pallet jack

Job description

About Foster Poultry Farms

Foster Poultry Farms has been serving families since 1939. At Foster Poultry Farms, our mission is creating great food and serving great moments. Our vision is to be the best and most trusted food company, empowering and nourishing the lives of those we serve. We measure our success by how well we protect and care for our team, our consumers, our animals, and our environment, while delivering operational excellence and exceptional value to our customers. Foster Poultry Farms is always looking for talented individuals to join the Foster Poultry Farms Team.

Position Summary

The Superintendent is responsible for leading all aspects of safety, employee engagement, food quality, productivity, and operational performance within the processing department. This position works closely with department Supervisors, Team Leaders, and Team Members to ensure efficient operations, product quality, regulatory compliance, and achievement of departmental goals.

The Superintendent executes processes that support safe, reliable, and efficient operations while aligning with Foster Farms' mission, vision, and ACTION guiding principles: Accountability, Collaboration, Truth-Seeking, Initiative, Ownership, and Nimbleness.

Essential Functions

• Provide leadership and accountability for all safety, food safety, quality, and employee retention objectives.
• Oversee the scheduling, staffing, and daily operation of manufacturing departments to achieve company goals related to quality, yield, productivity, cost control, and safety.
• Develop, coach, and train Supervisors, Team Leaders, and Team Members in accordance with company policies, procedures, and applicable union contract provisions.
• Communicate timely and effective updates to management regarding exceptions related to productivity, downtime, quality, yield, safety, and other operational metrics.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), operating standards, and production metrics to maintain control of departmental performance.
• Ensure required safety orientations, training sessions, and safety meetings are conducted to promote a safe work environment and minimize incident frequency and severity.
• Participate in departmental planning activities, continuous improvement initiatives, and the testing and implementation of new processes, techniques, and operational improvements.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with support departments to ensure effective communication, coordination, and achievement of operational objectives.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, food safety standards, and labor agreements.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to stand for up to 10 hours on a wet concrete floor.
• Must be able to withstand a cold (40-48 degree) environment.
• Must be able to withstand a hot (80+ degree) environment.
• Must be able to safely lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced work environment.
• Must be able to climb stairs and/or ladders.
• Must be able to work in confined spaces.
• Must be able to push, pull, bend, kneel, and crouch/squat.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business management or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience, with a minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in the food processing industry.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated interpersonal effectiveness.
• Working knowledge of technical, mechanical, and human resources functions.
• Ability to evaluate Supervisors, Team Leaders, and Team Members fairly, objectively, and consistently.
• Ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with all support groups and departments on a daily basis.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
• Successfully pass a criminal background check, drug screening, and E-Verify employment verification.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Basic math proficiency.
• Reliable transportation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong decision-making skills, including the ability to identify and address deviations from established procedures.
• Basic knowledge of sanitation and cleanup procedures preferred.
• Proven leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to workplace safety, with the ability to model and promote safe work practices.
• Ability to safely operate a forklift and/or pallet jack.
• Ability to wear and properly use company-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Demonstrated alignment with Foster Farms' ACTION Principles.

Foster Poultry Farms ACTION Guiding Principles

• Accountability: Deliver on commitments.
• Collaboration: Achieve more by working as a team.
• Truth-Seeking: Be open-minded and act with humility.
• Initiative: Be proactive and lead with a growth mindset.
• Ownership: Take responsibility for results.
• Nimbleness: Operate with speed and agility.

Why Join Foster Poultry Farms?

This is a high-impact opportunity to shape the future of maintenance and reliability at a leading food company, directly supporting our mission, vision, and values. You will play a critical role in delivering safe, high-quality food and great moments for millions of families.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.