Position: Plant Manager - USDA/FDA Food Manufacturing Experience Required
Location: Owensboro, Kentucky (West of Louisville) (Relocation Package Avail)
Hiring Contact: Jacob Parish | 850-806-2547
Compensation: Below —
Job Overview:
Thank you for your interest. We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations at our ready-to-eat (RTE) facility. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant performance, including production, quality, safety, and workforce management. The ideal candidate will come directly from the food manufacturing industry and have a proven track record of leading high-performing teams in a fast-paced, compliance-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Direct all plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, and safety
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, company policies, and industry standards
• Drive operational excellence through performance metrics, continuous improvement, and cost control
• Lead and develop plant leadership team to achieve production goals and maintain high employee engagement
• Partner with corporate leadership on strategic initiatives, capital planning, and long-range operational improvements
• Monitor key KPIs such as yields, throughput, labor efficiency, and downtime
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and quality throughout the facility
• Coordinate with supply chain, scheduling, and procurement to ensure seamless operations
• Lead problem-solving initiatives to resolve production and efficiency challenges
• Support audits, inspections, and customer requirements with full plant compliance
Qualifications:
• 7–10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing required
• Background in ready-to-eat (RTE) or similar USDA/FDA regulated food environment strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, food science, business, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
• Demonstrated ability to manage large teams and cross-functional departments
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, including HACCP, USDA, and GMP requirements
• Proven experience implementing lean manufacturing, process improvement, and performance-based systems
• Strong financial acumen with ability to manage budgets, cost structures, and capital projects
Compensation & Benefits:
• Approximate base salary of $150,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, retirement, PTO, and incentives
• Relocation Package Offered for those relocating
For more information or to apply, please contact Jacob Parish directly at jacob.parish@gogpac.com or 850-806-2547.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
