Rotational Ops Leader: Production & Process Improvement

Empire Livestock LLC.; Joplin (MO); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Empire Livestock LLC seeks an Associate Production Manager for Special Projects & Leadership Development to develop leadership through rotational assignments in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.

You will collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and supply chain teams to drive operational excellence, manage projects from concept to implementation, and support onboarding and startup activities for new products.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Internship, co-op, military leadership, or supervisory experience.
• Experience in food, dairy, or beverage manufacturing environments.
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment.

Responsibilities

• Complete operations development encompassing Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Processing disciplines, preparing for future leadership responsibilities through hands-on experience with existing and planned filling and packaging operations.
• Develop proficiency in plant operations, food safety systems, labor management, and performance leadership.
• Participate in leadership development programs and management training initiatives.
• Shadow and support Production Managers and Plant Leadership to gain operational leadership experience.
• Develop competency in daily management systems, KPI reviews, employee coaching, and performance management
• Lead capital, operational, and continuous improvement projects from concept through implementation.
• Coordinate project activities with internal stakeholders, contractors, suppliers, and corporate resources.
• Develop project charters, timelines, budgets, risk assessments, and implementation plans.
• Track project performance and communicate progress to plant leadership.
• Assist with commercialization and startup support for new products, packaging formats, and manufacturing technologies.
• Provide support for bottle, gable top, esl, aseptic, and packaging operations as assigned.
• Monitor operational performance and assist supervisors in achieving production goals.
• Participate in Daily Vital Signs, shift handoffs, and performance review meetings.
• Assist with labor planning, schedule attainment, and efficient resource utilization.
• Support production teams during startup, changeovers, troubleshooting, and process improvement activities.
• Ensure compliance with: GMP Requirements, HACCP Programs, SQF Standards, FDA Regulations, Customer Requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

KPI management

Manufacturing knowledge

Multitasking

Team coaching

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Power BI

Microsoft Office

Manufacturing systems

Job description

Empire Livestock LLC seeks an Associate Production Manager for Special Projects & Leadership Development to develop leadership through rotational assignments in a high‑volume manufacturing environment.

You will collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, engineering, and supply chain teams to drive operational excellence, manage projects from concept to implementation, and support onboarding and startup activities for new products.