Plant Manager

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionPlant Manager – Meat Processing | Chicago, IL
We’re hiring a Plant Manager to lead the operations of a major meat processing and distribution facility located in Chicago. With a long-standing reputation for delivering top-quality protein products to customers, this operation is positioned for continued growth—and we need a strong operational leader to drive it forward.
This is a critical leadership role for someone with deep experience in managing large-scale meat processing environments.  We need a transformational leader who can change, upgrade and improve operations
Location: Chicago, IL
Compensation: 180K - $210K + bonus
The Challenge Ahead

• Lead and oversee all daily meat processing production, and distribution activities
• Ensure high standards for food safety, quality assurance, and on-time delivery
• Shape a results-oriented culture grounded in safety, respect, accountability, and communication
• Serve as the bridge between local operations and senior corporate leadership

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all production activities, ensuring consistent output and operational excellence
• Track and drive operational KPIs—throughput, downtime, labor efficiency, customer order fulfillment
• Lead initiatives to improve inventory turnover and move stagnant inventory
• Oversee order accuracy, warehouse productivity, and outbound logistics performance
• Own and manage the plant’s P&L performance
• Monitor revenue, expenses, and profitability against budget goals
• Maintain full compliance with USDA, SQF, HACCP, OSHA, DOT, and other regulatory standards
• Foster a culture of food safety, sanitation, and continuous improvement across all departments
• Lead root cause investigations for any quality or safety issues and implement preventive solutions
• Oversee a workforce of 6 direct and 150 employees; lead weekly management meetings to set departmental priorities and resolve challenges
• Manage hiring, training, performance evaluations, and employee development
• Work closely with HR to implement safety, retention, and engagement programs
• Oversee maintenance and improvements for the production facility and vehicle fleet
• Manage capital expenditures for facility upgrades and equipment investments
• Champion ERP optimization efforts, ensuring smooth adoption and effective daily use
• Collaborate with IT providers to address system needs and technical challenges

Requirements

• BS/BA is required or an equivalent of 10 years of meat processing leadership experience
• 5+ years of plant leadership experience in meat processing or protein manufacturing environment is required
• Transformational leader – been involved with a start-up, moving a facility or upgrading an operation
• Proven success managing large-scale protein / USDA operations
• Deep knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP protocols, and food safety standards
• Hands-on operational management style with the ability to drive both strategy and execution
• Strong business acumen with full P&L management experience
• Effective communicator who can inspire teams, drive accountability, and deliver results
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment
• A hands-on manager who leads from the floor, not just the office
• A problem-solver who uses data to drive continuous improvement
• Someone energized by creating structure, building teams, and making an impact day one
• Experience with MS Office, WMS and ERP; prefer ERP implementation experience

Ready to take the next step?
If you have the background and drive to lead a large meat processing operation, we want to hear from you.

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With 12 years of experience in the field of supply chain and manufacturing recruiting, we maintain the relationships that employers are looking for in a recruiting firm as well as those that talented professionals need when they are ready to make a career change.

At JSK Recruiting, we provide complete recruiting services, from sourcing candidates to organizing the interview process. Finding both long-term employees and rewarding careers across manufacturing and supply chain positions has never been easier.Company DescriptionThe team at JSK Recruiting, Inc. prides itself on providing boutique-level services combined with the resources of a larger recruiting firm. We forgo the traditional nine-to-five workday model in favor of complete accessibility. We are here for our clients and candidates when they need us most.\r\n\r\nWith 12 years of experience in the field of supply chain and manufacturing recruiting, we maintain the relationships that employers are looking for in a recruiting firm as well as those that talented professionals need when they are ready to make a career change.\r\n\r\nAt JSK Recruiting, we provide complete recruiting services, from sourcing candidates to organizing the interview process. Finding both long-term employees and rewarding careers across manufacturing and supply chain positions has never been easier.