Poultry Plant Shift Leader: Drive Production & Food Safety

Wayne-Sanderson Farms; Kinston (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is seeking a Plant Operations Manager to direct, control, and coordinate all aspects of production on a shift, ensuring productivity and cost efficiency while complying with food safety programs and Wayne Farms’ policies.

You will lead a team of 5–15 salaried employees and supervise 200+ hourly staff, drive HACCP/SSOPs/GMPs, implement process improvements, and maintain a safe, sanitary environment per USDA standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with extensive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Associates degree plus significant manufacturing leadership experience preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate shift production operations and staff.
• Maintain high morale and relationships while handling admin duties.
• Achieve production objectives and meet timelines and budgets.
• Lead safety meetings and training; address employee concerns.
• Oversee quality and productivity, provide feedback and coaching.
• Ensure food safety programs (HACCP, SSOPs, GMPs) compliance.
• Implement process improvements; optimize costs and efficiency.
• Handle reporting and USDA compliance requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Staff development

Food safety knowledge

Communication

Problem solving

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates degree

Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wayne-Sanderson Farms is seeking a Plant Operations Manager to direct, control, and coordinate all aspects of production on a shift, ensuring productivity and cost efficiency while complying with food safety programs and Wayne Farms’ policies.

You will lead a team of 5–15 salaried employees and supervise 200+ hourly staff, drive HACCP/SSOPs/GMPs, implement process improvements, and maintain a safe, sanitary environment per USDA standards.