Operations Manager

Job DescriptionJob Description

Ensure top-tier quality and production standards for premium protein products with Meyer Natural Foods. 

Join our team in a full-time role involves analyzing cattle grading and yield performance to ensure accurate classification and optimal cut utilization. Responsibilities include conducting yield tests, auditing processing activities (breaking, boning, trimming), and monitoring packaging integrity. The position supports production planning and cold chain management, with a focus on maintaining carcass standards and improving fab yields. It also requires hands-on knowledge of meat processing techniques, equipment operation, and regulatory compliance, including adherence to SQF, SSOP, GMPs, and HACCP protocols. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to drive continuous improvement in quality, efficiency, and productivity.

Compensation: $83,300 to $100,337 (depending on experience)

What Will You Do?
Production Oversight & Optimization

• Oversee weekly production at Skylark Meats (Omaha), Grand Island, and other partners as needed.
• Ensure production methods meet scheduling needs and maximize yields.
• Support new programs and product implementation to improve efficiency.
• Communicate with supervisors, managers, and schedulers to address production issues and opportunities.
• Identify and correct production errors.
• Provide backup for shipping and lab sample processes.
• Assist with product yield testing and data collection.
• Execute and evaluate testing procedures, including product modifications.

Cattle Grading & Yield Analysis

• Analyze cattle grading and yield classifications to identify optimization opportunities.
• Understand and assess hindquarter and forequarter cut breakdowns.
• Evaluate yield performance by cut and conduct yield tests to improve consistency and efficiency.

Performance Tracking & Auditing

• Lead audits of breaking, boning, and trimming to ensure yield consistency and quality.
• Monitor packaging processes, focusing on leaker rates and product integrity.
• Enforce carcass standards and industry best practices.

Production Planning & Cold Chain Management

• Collaborate on production plan execution (MSA) across the floor.
• Ensure cold chain protocols are followed to maintain product quality.
• Evaluate carcass dress impact on fab yields and adjust processes accordingly.

Processing Knowledge & Innovation

• Apply expertise in trim sortation, meat cut conversion, and case-ready prep.
• Work with cross-functional teams to improve processes and efficiency.
• Knowledge on  grinders and other meat processing equipment.

Regulatory & Quality Compliance

• Ensure compliance with SQF, SSOP, GMPs, and HACCP CCPs.
• Promote GMP practices for a safe, efficient production environment.
• Verify all products meet Meyer Natural Foods (MNF) quality standards.
• Conduct audits on raw materials, packaging, and finished goods.
• Monitor packaging weights and conduct yield tests on new materials.
• Compare product specs to customer requirements and inspect finished goods.
• Investigate and document returned product issues.

Other duties as assigned.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

• Experience & Background
  • 7+ years in senior-level beef operations or related meat processing roles, with a proven ability to lead teams, improve processes, and uphold production standards in fast-paced beef production environments.
• Education
  • Bachelor’s degree (especially in food science/technology), or equivalent experience.
• Technical Expertise
  • Deep knowledge of cattle grading, yield testing, and cut analysis. Demonstrated success in optimizing carcass and cut yields for quality and efficiency.
• Leadership & Collaboration
  • Strong leadership and teamwork skills with a continuous improvement mindset. Ability to work cross-functionally to implement strategic initiatives.
• Compliance & Certifications
  • Solid understanding of GMP, SQF, SSOP, HACCP, and related regulatory standards.
• Attention to Detail
  • High level of accuracy and thoroughness in task execution.
• Travel - Willingness to travel frequently to various plant locations as needed.
• Qualifications
  • Experience optimizing carcass standards and understanding how cutting techniques affect yield.
  • Familiarity with cold chain management and its impact on product quality.
  • Strong background in auditing and quality control with a focus on continuous improvement.

A little about Meyer!On a pristine Montana Angus cattle ranch, Meyer Natural Foods was founded as a pursuit of Bob Meyer's passion. He aimed to produce the best-tasting beef by practicing the highest standards of ranching. Today, Meyer Natural Foods has expanded its expertise in the natural protein category by adding beef, pork, and turkey to its product portfolio. Privately held and wholly owned for over 35 years, Meyer Natural Foods' premium products are featured in more than 16,500 retail locations and food distributors across the United States, Canada, and Asia. 

Learn more about us on our website: https://www.meyernaturalfoods.com/
Closing Date: 08/20/2025

Benefits: We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to our eligible full-time employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Employer-paid Life Insurance, Short-Term (STD), and Long-Term (LTD)
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid Time Off: including Sick Leave, Vacation, and Holidays

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that candidates selected for an offer of employment will be required to submit a criminal record check and references as part of the conditional offer process.

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