Plant Manager
Perdue Farms, Inc. · Accomac, VA
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $114k–$170k
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 1+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Perdue Farms, Inc. (industrial) in Accomac, VA. Lead, mentor, and develop departmental leaders including Superintendents, Supervisors, and support staff to achieve plant objectives.
- They ask for
- 1+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- Lean, Six Sigma
- Base pay
- $114k–$170k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Production Engineer roles in Virginia: typical posted base $114k–$160k. This one lists $114k–$170k.
Median of the low and high ends of 7 live postings that list pay, out of 25 production engineer openings in Virginia, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Virginia plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 24 other live production postings in Virginia.
- Base pay
- About 12% above similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (1+ vs 8+)
Typical $108k–$145k, from 5 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 8+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 52%
- New product launch 32%
- ✓ Lean 28%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Perdue Farms, Inc.
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from Perdue Farms, Inc.As posted on their careers site.ShowHide
qualifications
with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).
In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.
Minimum Education and Experience
- ✓High School Diploma/GED equivalent candidates must have a minimum of 5-7 years in a manufacturing environment, with at least 4-6 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
- ✓Bachelors/Associates degree candidates must have a minimum of 3-5 years of manufacturing experience and 4-6 years of supervisory experience.
- ✓Proven track record in leading cross-functional teams and managing large-scale operations.
- ✓Expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ERP systems.
- ✓Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- ✓Excellent communication and leadership capabilities.
- ✓Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools
Physical
Requirements
and Environmental Factors
- ✓May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
- ✓May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
Summary
The Plant Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for departments within the manufacturing facility. This role is accountable for achieving multiple department goals in safety, quality, productivity, cost control, and associate development. The Plant Manager oversees departmental functions, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, supply chain, and engineering. They serve as the primary liaison between the Director of Operations and plant operations, driving multiple department initiatives, and continuous improvement. This role emphasizes building a high-performance culture, developing future leaders, and ensuring operational excellence across all levels of the organization.
People Development and Leadership
- •Lead, mentor, and develop departmental leaders including Superintendents, Supervisors, and support staff to achieve plant objectives.
- •Oversee workforce planning, succession development, and talent acquisition strategies to build a robust leadership pipeline.
- •Champion a culture of accountability, inclusion, and engagement aligned with company values and leadership principles.
- •Drive associate retention and performance through strategic development programs and coaching.
Safety and Risk Management
- •Establish and enforce a proactive safety culture across departments, ensuring full compliance with safety, food safety, and environmental regulations.
- •Lead safety initiatives, audits, and ensure continuous improvement in risk mitigation.
- •Ensure safety compliance and regulatory adherence within the facility.
Food safety, Quality Standards and Continuous Improvement
- •Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company policies, including HACCP, GMPs, and sanitation protocols.
- •Lead cross-functional teams to implement quality assurance programs and SOPs that exceed industry standards.
- •Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, enhance product quality, and prevent recalls.
- •Champion lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize plant performance.
Environmental Compliance
- •Ensure full compliance with environmental laws and regulations across the facility, including air and water quality, waste management, and hazardous materials.
- •Lead sustainability initiatives and collaborate with corporate teams to meet environmental goals.
Production Oversight
- •Provide strategic oversight of manufacturing operations to meet production schedules, customer specifications, and quality standards.
- •Optimize resource allocation including labor, materials, and equipment to ensure cost effective operations.
- •Collaborate with maintenance and engineering to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
Reporting and Communication
- •Ensure accurate and timely reporting of plant performance metrics including output, quality, safety, and financials.
- •Analyze KPIs to identify trends and lead corrective actions.
- •Serve as the primary communication link between plant operations and corporate leadership.
- •Facilitate cross-functional collaboration among departments to achieve plant goals.
Metrics of Success
- •Achievement of production, quality, and financial KPIs.
- •Reduction in safety incidents and improved audit scores.
- •Improved associate engagement and retention.
- •Successful execution of strategic initiatives and cost-saving programs.
- •Compliance with all regulatory and corporate standards.
When in a plant environment
- •Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
- •May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degre
