The Assistant Plant Manager – Raw Processing Operations is responsible for overseeing daily production activities related to raw meat processing, takedown, and smokehouse operations in a ready-to-eat food manufacturing facility. This role ensures production schedules are executed efficiently while maintaining the highest standards for food safety, quality, people safety, people development and operational performance.

The position provides leadership to production supervisors and team members, driving accountability through performance metrics, continuous improvement, and cross-department collaboration. The Assistant Plant Manager works closely with scheduling, packaging, maintenance, sanitation, purchasing, and FSQA teams to ensure production goals are achieved safely, efficiently, and consistently.

Duties and Responsibilities

Primary job duties and responsibilities include:

Key Responsibilities

Production Operations

• Oversee daily operations for raw processing, takedown, and smokehouse departments.
• Ensure daily production schedules are completed on time and in accordance with company standards.
• Collaborate with the scheduling team to improve production flow, efficiency, and schedule success.
• Monitor production performance and resolve operational issues to maintain throughput.

Leadership & Team Development

• Directly supervise production supervisors responsible for approximately 30+ production employees.
• Provide coaching, training, and development for supervisors and team members.
• Ensure supervisors are effectively managing their teams, including performance management, employee development and accountability.
• Set clear expectations for productivity, quality, and workplace standards.

Performance Management

• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for production areas including yield, efficiency, and execution.
• Review operational metrics regularly with supervisors to ensure performance targets are being met.
• Analyze yield and production data to identify opportunities for improvement and operational efficiency.
• Lead regular production meetings to review performance, priorities, and operational goals.

Quality & Food Safety

• Ensure all operations meet food safety, regulatory, and company quality standards.
• Maintain compliance with ready-to-eat processing requirements and company policies.
• Work closely with quality assurance and sanitation teams to ensure hygienic production environments.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Coordinate with maintenance to ensure equipment reliability and high operational standards.
• Provide feedback to sanitation teams regarding cleaning effectiveness and production readiness.
• Communicate with purchasing regarding raw material issues that could affect production.
• Collaborate with second shift leadership to ensure alignment of priorities and production goals.

Operational Oversight

• Monitor inventory usage and production yields to ensure efficient raw material utilization.
• Ensure production processes are executed according to product specifications and standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance and reduce waste.

Interpersonal Skills

• Reliable, comes to work every day and arrives to work on time.
• Comes prepared to contribute.
• Works to the best of their ability.
• Accepts constructive feedback.
• Team player.

Qualifications

Required

• 3–7 years of experience in food manufacturing or industrial production environments.
• Leadership experience supervising production teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and quality standards in a ready-to-eat or protein processing environment.
• Ability to analyze production data and drive operational improvements.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Preferred

• Experience in meat or protein processing operations.
• Experience working with yield management and production efficiency metrics.
• Experience leading supervisors in a multi-shift production environment.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance in this role will be evaluated based on:

• Production schedule completion
• Yield performance and raw material utilization
• Production efficiency
• Food safety and quality compliance
• Team development and supervisory effectiveness
• Equipment uptime and operational reliability
• Department safety performance

Working Conditions

Working conditions will include extended periods in a cold, wet environment requiring the use of protective clothing. Exposure to an environment that undergoes extreme temperature changes, from very hot to very cold. Fast paced environment working with and around heavy meat equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform extensive walking and standing throughout the shift on a daily basis, and may need to lift up to 50 lbs.

Why Join Godshall’s

• Family-owned, stable, and growing
• People-first culture built on respect and teamwork
• Opportunities for advancement
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (Aetna)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Health & Dependent Care)
• Short-Term Disability & Basic Life Insurance (company-paid)
• 401(k) with Company Match (up to 6%)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Annual Profit Sharing
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Protective Footwear Payroll Program
• Wellness & Mental Health Support (Teladoc, AbleTo)
• Opportunities for Growth & Advancement
• Safe, Team-Focused Work Environment

Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.