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Food Manufacturing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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We are seeking an experienced FSQA Supervisor to oversee the daily operations of the Food Safety & Quality Assurance department in a fast-paced food manufacturing environment near the Atlanta Airport.

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Manufacturing experience preferred. This is an ONSITE position. The Controller, while working under the direction of the President and Global CFO, will be responsible for managing multiple aspects of ...

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Food Manufacturing information

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$44K

$100.2K

$136.5K

How much do food manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for food manufacturing in the United States is $100,159.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $122,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food manufacturing?

Food manufacturing is the process of transforming raw ingredients into finished food products through various methods such as processing, packaging, and distribution. This industry includes everything from large-scale production of packaged goods to specialized food items. Food manufacturing ensures that products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards before reaching consumers. It involves numerous roles, including machine operators, quality assurance specialists, and food scientists, all working together to produce safe and consistent food products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Food Manufacturing, and why are they important?

To excel in Food Manufacturing, strong knowledge of food safety standards, quality control, and production processes is essential, often supported by relevant certifications such as HACCP or SQF. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, automated production systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective problem-solving are crucial soft skills for maintaining efficiency and product quality. These competencies ensure safe, consistent, and high-standard food production in a regulated, fast-paced environment.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in food manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in food manufacturing often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control, adhering to food safety regulations, and meeting high production demands. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with industry standards, participating in ongoing training, and working closely with quality assurance and maintenance teams. Effective communication and collaboration across departments are essential for quickly resolving issues and ensuring smooth production processes.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing vs Food Processing Worker?

AspectFood ManufacturingFood Processing Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, industrial settingsFactories, production lines, industrial settings
Industry UsageUsed broadly across food production companiesSpecific to processing tasks within food manufacturing
Job FocusOverseeing entire production processes or specific stagesPerforming specific processing tasks like cutting, packaging

Food Manufacturing and Food Processing Worker roles are closely related, often working in the same environments. Food Manufacturing covers a broader scope, including overseeing entire production lines, while Food Processing Workers focus on specific tasks like packaging or preparing food products. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in the food industry.

What Is the Difference Between Food Manufacturing and Food Processing?

There is one significant difference between food processing and food manufacturing, and that is what each industry does with a given food product. Food processing is taking a raw product and turning it into an ingredient, like turning vanilla beans into vanilla extract, whereas food manufacturers purchase ingredients and use them within a product, like taking the vanilla extract and using it to make cookies. Both industries work primarily in plant or factory settings, and sometimes food processing and manufacturing is done on the same site, but the duties of manufacturers versus processors differ in their day-to-day operations.

What cities are hiring for Food Manufacturing jobs? Cities with the most Food Manufacturing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Food Manufacturing jobs? The most popular types of Food Manufacturing jobs are:
What states have the most Food Manufacturing jobs? States with the most job openings for Food Manufacturing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing jobs are:
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, and 34% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,159 per year, or $48.2 per hour.
Plant Director - Food Manufacturing

Plant Director - Food Manufacturing

Direct Recruiters, Inc.

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Plant Director | Food Manufacturing | Full P&L Ownership | Operational Excellence | Growth & Expansion Leadership | Relocation Available

A rapidly growing food manufacturer is seeking an experienced Plant Director to lead a large-scale production operation through its next phase of operational excellence, capacity expansion, and organizational development.

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing executive who thrives on improving performance, building teams, and creating sustainable operational systems. The organization is making significant investments in its facilities, equipment, and people, creating a unique opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the business.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out
  • Over $100 million being invested in manufacturing expansion and new production capabilities
  • Full P&L ownership for a major production facility
  • Opportunity to shape culture, systems, leadership development, and operational strategy
  • Strong executive support and commitment to continuous improvement
  • High-growth environment with substantial career advancement potential
The Role

Reporting directly to executive leadership, the Plant Director will have full responsibility for site operations, manufacturing performance, food safety, quality, maintenance, engineering, and workforce development.

This leader will oversee a large multi-functional management team and drive initiatives focused on operational efficiency, employee development, reliability, sanitation excellence, and production optimization.

The successful candidate will balance strategic leadership with a highly visible presence on the production floor, building credibility through action and engagement.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead all aspects of plant operations including production, quality, food safety, maintenance, engineering, and continuous improvement
  • Own facility financial performance, including P&L accountability, budgeting, cost management, and EBITDA improvement initiatives
  • Develop and execute operational strategies that improve throughput, reliability, quality, and profitability
  • Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, employee engagement, training, and leadership development
  • Establish and strengthen systems around sanitation, preventive maintenance, process control, defect reduction, and operational discipline
  • Partner closely with Supply Chain, HR, Finance, Commercial, and Engineering teams to support business objectives
  • Monitor plant KPIs and implement corrective actions to drive sustainable performance improvements
  • Prepare the organization for major capital projects, new equipment installations, and future production growth
  • Ensure compliance with all food safety, regulatory, quality, and workplace safety requirements
What We're Looking For
  • 10+ years of manufacturing leadership experience with at least 5 years leading a plant, site, or business unit
  • Proven success managing complex food manufacturing operations
  • Demonstrated ownership of plant financial performance and P&L responsibility exceeding $50 million annually
  • Deep understanding of food safety, quality systems, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence
  • Strong background in production optimization, workforce development, and continuous improvement
  • Experience driving cultural transformation and implementing sustainable performance management systems
  • Hands-on leadership style with a strong floor presence and passion for coaching teams
  • Experience supporting capital investments, facility expansions, and equipment start-ups is highly desirable
The Ideal Candidate

You're more than a plant operator—you are a builder.

You understand that operational excellence begins with people. You know how to develop leaders, improve accountability, strengthen food safety culture, and create systems that drive long-term performance.

Most importantly, you're energized by the opportunity to transform an already successful operation into a world-class manufacturing organization.

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