Food Manufacturing Plant Manager III - Center, Texas

Mission Hires is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead a high-performing poultry/food manufacturing facility in East Texas. This leader will drive operational excellence across multi-shift operations, elevate food safety and quality, improve productivity and cost, and build a strong, performance-driven culture within a unionized environment. The role oversees end-to-end plant operations, leads continuous improvement and capital projects, and partners on company-wide talent and performance initiatives.

• Oversee daily operations across production, maintenance, sanitation, quality assurance, safety, shipping/receiving, and scheduling
• Direct, mentor, and develop front-line and mid-level leaders with a focus on succession planning and talent development
• Ensure food safety, product quality, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
• Analyze operational and financial data to identify gaps and implement process and cost improvements
• Champion Total Quality Management (TQM) practices across all departments
• Prepare and present monthly reports on plant efficiency, costs, and key performance metrics
• Lead capital improvement projects from proposal/business case through execution and sustainment
• Collaborate on company-wide initiatives including talent mapping, retention, and performance improvement
• Foster a positive, performance-driven culture in a unionized environment
• Coordinate multi-shift operations to meet throughput, yield, and service targets

• 8+ years of experience in poultry or food manufacturing, including experience in a kill and/or tray pack facility
• 6+ years of progressive leadership managing large or complex teams
• Demonstrated success leading in a unionized environment
• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capabilities
• Proven track record in operational excellence, productivity, yield, and cost improvement
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office; SAP experience preferred
• Excellent communication, organizational, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent experience considered
• Ability to lead TQM/continuous improvement initiatives and manage capital projects
• Willingness to travel occasionally (approximately 6–11 trips per year)

• Relocation support available
• Bonus: Up to 25% annual bonus + $25,000 long-term incentive

Center offers a peaceful, small-town lifestyle with close proximity to forests, lakes, and outdoor recreation. It's an ideal location for those who enjoy fishing, hiking, and a lower cost of living while still being within driving distance to larger metropolitan areas.