Plant Manager

Mowisalmon; Belfast; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading smoked seafood producer in Northern Ireland seeks a Plant Manager to ensure production goals are met while maintaining quality and safety standards. Responsibilities include overseeing production schedules, managing compliance with FDA regulations, and leading strategic planning efforts. Ideal candidates will have 7+ years of management experience, preferably in RTE food processing, with strong leadership skills and a degree in food science or a related field. This role offers competitive pay and benefits.

Benefits

Paid vacations

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401k plan with employer match

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of management experience in food processing.
• Experience in an RTE food processing facility preferred.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the production schedule for safety and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with FDA, food safety, and workplace regulations.
• Participate in strategic planning for company goals.

Skills

Management experience

Leadership capabilities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Strong attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in food science or related field

Job description

Started in 1978, Ducktrap River of Maine is a smokehouse located on the coast of Maine with a strong commitment to producing premium quality smoked seafood. We produce some of the highest quality smoked seafood in the world while maintaining a strong family atmosphere where all employees are appreciated and respected for their contributions. Ducktrap offers a competitive starting wage as well as a great benefit package that includes paid vacations, personal days and holidays along with medical, dental, vision, employer paid short and long-term disability insurance, and a 401k plan with an employer match of 6%.

Visit our website www.Ducktrap.com to learn more about us.

The Plant Manager is responsible for ensuring production goals are met while upholding all quality and safety standards. This role provides leadership and direction for all aspects of production operations through subordinate managers, including the development of policies, procedures, and practices related to product quality, operational efficiency, staffing, employee training, and day-to-day execution.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development and execution of the production schedule, ensuring processes and procedures are safe, cost-effective, efficient, and aligned with established quality standards.
• Collaborate with Quality Control leadership to ensure staffing, policies, and procedures support the delivery of high-quality products; implement food safety programs and participate in quality reviews.
• Ensure full operational compliance with all applicable FDA, food safety, and workplace safety regulations.
• Contribute to new product development and evaluate optimal product mix to support company objectives and profitability.
• Develop and maintain Key Performance Indicator (KPI) systems to track and assess plant performance, using results to drive continuous improvement.
• Manage plant operations within the approved annual budget, identify variances, and develop appropriate corrective actions and recommendations.
• Maintain a daily physical presence in the plant to oversee staff, equipment, and systems; provide proactive problem-solving to ensure performance targets are met.
• Build and sustain strong working relationships with suppliers, vendors, buyers, and other partners to support operational success.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance processes, quality, and efficiency.
• Maintain current industry knowledge by monitoring trends in Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food processing; participate in educational opportunities, review professional publications, and network internally and externally.
• Participate as a senior leader in both short- and long-term strategic planning to support company goals and operational requirements.
• Perform duties of a senior manager, including attracting and retaining a high-quality workforce; employee development; recognition programs; performance management; disciplinary action; and ensuring compliance with all safety requirements.

Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible management experience in a food processing or manufacturing production environment, with demonstrated focus on product quality, regulatory compliance, and FDA requirements. Experience in an RTE food processing facility is strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership and management capabilities, including experience developing high-performing teams, coaching managers/supervisors, and driving operational excellence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to serve as the primary company representative during regulatory audits, including FDA, state, and customer audits of production operations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, using sound judgment in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent organizational and prioritization skills.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document processes, procedures, and policies.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment to plan, prioritize, and organize a diverse team and workload.
• Ability to actively listen, accept constructive feedback, and apply learnings to improve performance.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in food science or biology, engineering, business, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience, required.

All requirements and skills are considered to be essential, unless otherwise indicated

Mowi-Ducktrap is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The above job description is not an all-encompassing list of duties and responsibilities required of the employee for this job.

Mowi-Ducktrap is a Drugfree Workplace.

Mowi-Ducktrap does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, Mowi-Ducktrap employees or any other company location. Mowi is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes