Operations Manager – Meat Manufacturing

Position Overview We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead operations at an established food manufacturing facility in Reidsville, North Carolina and Cherokee, IA. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership experience within food manufacturing, with a focus on Ready-to-Eat (RTE) and/or further-processing operations. This role will be responsible for driving safe, efficient, and compliant plant operations while leading teams, improving productivity, and supporting overall manufacturing performance. Location: Reidsville, NC and Cherokee, IA Bonus: Discretionary bonus; not guaranteed Relocation: Open to relocation; relocation package details to be confirmed Industry: Meat Manufacturing / Further Processing Location:The facility is located in Reidsville, North Carolina and Cherokee, IA with the search also targeting qualified Operations and Plant leaders within the Research Triangle and broader Southeast region. Relocation - Discretionary bonus may be available but is not guaranteed. - Relocation candidates are welcome. - Relocation package details are currently being finalized. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a seasoned food manufacturing operations leader who can effectively manage people and production while maintaining high standards for food safety, quality, regulatory compliance, productivity, and operational performance. Key Responsibilities - Lead day-to-day manufacturing and plant operations to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable production. - Provide leadership and direction to production and operations teams across multiple shifts. - Drive operational performance, productivity, quality, safety, and continuous improvement initiatives. - Partner with Quality, Food Safety, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and other departments to achieve plant objectives. - Ensure compliance with USDA/FSIS, HACCP, food safety, and regulatory requirements. - Maintain strong food safety and sanitation standards, including appropriate environmental monitoring practices. - Develop, coach, and manage plant leadership and production teams. - Monitor key operational metrics and implement corrective actions to improve performance. - Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve throughput, control costs, and increase operational efficiency. - Establish and maintain effective operating procedures, processes, and performance standards. - Support workforce planning, staffing, training, and employee development. - Collaborate with senior leadership on operational strategy, plant performance, and improvement initiatives. - Maintain a strong culture of accountability, safety, quality, and continuous improvement.