Senior Second-Shift Plant Manager – Protein Processing

The Judge Group; Elk Run Heights (IA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary + bonus

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Life and disability insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

The Judge Group is assisting a major protein producer in Iowa with a critical Second Shift Plant Manager opportunity. This role owns total shift performance, leading a large hourly workforce and a team of supervisors across production, sanitation, maintenance, QA, and shipping.

You will champion safety, ensure USDA/FSIS compliance and audits, and drive improvements in throughput, yield, labor efficiency, and cost.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership, including roles like Plant Manager, Shift Manager, or Operations Manager.
• Experience in fresh protein processing (pork, beef, or poultry) preferred.
• Strong knowledge of USDA/FSIS regulations, HACCP, and GMPs.
• Proven track record of improving safety, yield, and cost in a high-volume plant.
• Experience leading large, diverse hourly workforces; union or labor relations experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead all second shift operations across production, sanitation, maintenance, QA, and shipping.
• Own the safety culture and drive toward zero incidents.
• Maintain compliance with USDA/FSIS, HACCP, animal welfare, and audits.
• Hit shift targets on throughput, yield, labor efficiency, and cost.
• Build, coach, and hold accountable a team of supervisors and area managers.
• Drive Lean continuous improvement and root-cause problem solving.
• Ensure clean handoffs 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

Manufacturing leadership

USDA/FSIS knowledge

Lean/CI mindset

Bilingual English/Spanish

Labor relations experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience

Job description

The Judge Group is assisting a major protein producer in Iowa with a critical Second Shift Plant Manager opportunity. This role owns total shift performance, leading a large hourly workforce and a team of supervisors across production, sanitation, maintenance, QA, and shipping.

You will champion safety, ensure USDA/FSIS compliance and audits, and drive improvements in throughput, yield, labor efficiency, and cost.