Second-Shift Plant Manager, Protein Processing

The Judge Group; Elk Run Heights (IA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group is seeking a Second Shift Plant Manager for a large-scale protein processing facility in Elk Run Heights, IA. You will own total shift performance including safety, quality, production, people, and cost, leading a large hourly workforce and a team of supervisors across the shift.

You will drive safety culture, ensure USDA/FSIS, HACCP, and GMP compliance, and push continuous improvement through Lean methods while partnering with HR on labor planning and engagement.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership, including 3+ years as Plant/Operations Manager.
• Fresh pork, beef, or poultry processing experience required.
• Strong knowledge of USDA/FSIS regulations, HACCP, and GMPs.
• Proven track record of improving safety, yield and cost in high-volume plants.
• Experience leading large, diverse hourly workforces across departments.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all second shift operations across production, sanitation coordination, maintenance, QA, and shipping.
• Own the safety culture and drive toward zero incidents.
• Maintain full compliance with USDA/FSIS, HACCP, animal welfare, and customer audit requirements.
• Hit shift targets on throughput, yield, labor efficiency, and cost.
• Build, coach, and hold accountable a team of supervisors and area managers.
• Drive continuous improvement through Lean and root cause problem solving.
• Ensure clean handoffs and alignment with first shift and sanitation leadership.
• Manage labor planning, attendance, and staffing in a high-volume environment.
• Partner with HR on employee relations, retention, and engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Safety culture

USDA/FSIS knowledge

Lean / CI

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

The Judge Group is seeking a Second Shift Plant Manager for a large-scale protein processing facility in Elk Run Heights, IA. You will own total shift performance including safety, quality, production, people, and cost, leading a large hourly workforce and a team of supervisors across the shift.

You will drive safety culture, ensure USDA/FSIS, HACCP, and GMP compliance, and push continuous improvement through Lean methods while partnering with HR on labor planning and engagement.