Plant Manager III - Center, TX

Plant Manager III - Center, TX - On-Site

Are you a seasoned operational leader ready to make a monumental impact on a large-scale food processing facility? As a vital partner to a leading company in the food processing industry,

Aquent is seeking an exceptional leader to take the helm of a dynamic operation. This isn't just a management role; it's an opportunity to shape the future of a critical production environment, drive continuous improvement, and cultivate a high-performing team. Your leadership will directly influence product quality, operational efficiency, and the development of over a thousand team members, making a tangible difference every single day. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in overseeing all facets of a sophisticated food processing facility, ensuring seamless and efficient operations across multiple shifts. You will empower and mentor a large team of managers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Your strategic vision will guide capital improvements, optimize cost performance, and uphold the highest standards of food safety and quality. This is a chance to lead significant initiatives, innovate processes, and contribute directly to the success and growth of a major industry player.

Key Responsibilities & Impact:

• Lead and optimize all functional areas of a large-scale food processing facility, ensuring efficient operation across multiple production shifts, including maintenance, safety, shipping, receiving, sanitation, scheduling, quality, and process improvement.
• Inspire and guide managers, providing robust programs and mentorship to elevate employee skill levels and foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Drive resolution of complex issues related to the quality of incoming raw materials and outgoing finished goods, upholding the highest standards.
• Analyze cost and performance data to pinpoint areas for improvement, implementing strategic initiatives that enhance efficiency and profitability.
• Prepare comprehensive monthly expense and efficiency reports, providing critical insights for strategic decision-making.
• Champion a philosophy of total quality management, effectively communicating its principles and benefits to all employees.
• Oversee and execute all capital improvements, from conceptualization to successful implementation.
• Facilitate talent development and succession planning initiatives, ensuring a robust pipeline of future leaders and supporting comprehensive retention programs.
• Ensure unwavering adherence to food safety, food quality, and legality standards, safeguarding consumer trust and regulatory compliance.
• Initiate and implement improvements across all phases of production, actively identifying, evaluating, and correcting operational challenges.

Must-Have Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Experience:

• 8+ years of progressive experience in food processing, with a strong preference for poultry manufacturing.
• 6+ years of leadership experience, ideally managing large, complex facilities or crews.
• Demonstrated experience leading operations in a unionized environment.

Leadership & Management:

• Proven ability to lead and develop multiple production shifts and cross-functional teams (e.g., production, maintenance, quality, sanitation).
• Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of developing and mentoring other leaders.
• Experience overseeing a large workforce (e.g., approximately 1200 team members).

Technical & Industry Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of poultry manufacturing processes, with experience in primary processing operations and preferably specific experience with tray pack operations.
• Strong grasp of food safety and regulatory compliance requirements.

Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• General knowledge of computer programs used in production plant operations, including office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and a working knowledge of enterprise resource planning systems.

This role offers significant variable compensation opportunities, including a 25% annual bonus and $25,000.00 in long-term incentives.

About Aquent Talent: Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive. The target hiring compensation range for this role is $163,000 to $215,000.00. Compensation is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, education, relevant work experience, relevant certifications, and location.