Processing Manager- AFIC@MCO

Job Type: time type
Full time

Job Number: job requisition id
R0082262

Location:
Fayetteville
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Closing Date:

Type of
Position:
Professional Staff – Project/Program Administration

Workstudy
Position:

No

Job Type:
Regular

Work
Shift:

Sponsorship Available:

No

Institution Name:
Division of
Agriculture of the University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty
based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural
Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees.  The Division
was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture.  The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with
the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration.  As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of
Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. 

Below you will
find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.
 To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with
the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division’s Office of Program & Employment Compliance at [email protected].

For general application assistance
or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or
479-502-9820.

Department:
AFIC@MCO

Department’s Website:

Summary
of Job Duties:
The Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks (AFIC@MCO) is seeking a dynamic and
experienced Processing Manager to oversee daily operations of the food processing facility and all co-manufacturing activities. Reporting to
the Director of AFIC@MCO, this position plays a critical leadership role in ensuring operational excellence, food safety compliance,
customer satisfaction, and business growth.

The Processing Manager will lead production operations, supervise processing staff,
maintain regulatory compliance, and support client development efforts that advance the mission of AFIC@MCO and the University of Arkansas
System Division of Agriculture.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production Management

Oversee and actively
participate in daily food processing and co-packing operations.
Develop and manage production schedules to ensure efficiency and on-time
delivery.
Maintain compliance with all food safety and sanitation standards.
Monitor labor, ingredients, and packaging costs to ensure
budget adherence.
Inspect finished products for quality and safety.
Ensure all required production and food safety documentation is
complete and accurate.
Ensure accurate client billing for services.
Oversee state, federal, and third-party audits.

Facility
& Inventory Oversight

Monitor inventory levels and order necessary production and food safety supplies.
Coordinate equipment
maintenance and repairs to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Maintain clean and sanitary production areas at all times.

Food Safety
& Compliance

Support and train staff and clients in HACCP, PCQI, Better Process Controls School (BPCS), GMPs, and related food
safety standards.
Assist in the development and implementation of food safety programs.
Ensure compliance with all AFIC@MCO policies
and regulatory requirements.

Client & Business Development Support

Collaborate with the business development team to
onboard new clients and ensure a seamless transition into production.
Serve as a point of contact for co-packing clients, including
farmers, food entrepreneurs, and small-scale food producers.
Conduct facility tours and respond to client inquiries.
Investigate and
resolve client concerns or complaints.
Participate in entrepreneurial workshops delivered by AFIC@MCO.

Leadership & Team
Development

Supervise processing employees and conduct regular performance evaluations.
Train and mentor team members to ensure
effective job performance.
Foster a collaborative, safety-focused work environment.

Strategic & Administrative
Support

Develop and implement plans to improve operational efficiency and productivity.
Participate in team meetings and prepare
operational reports.
Support grant applications that further the mission of AFIC@MCO and the Division of Agriculture.
Travel and work
flexible hours as needed to support operations.

Qualifications:

Required
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, or a related field and 3+ years of relevant
  experience;
  OR
• Master’s degree in a related field with 2+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated
  working knowledge of food processing, quality control and food safety systems (HACCP, GMP, etc.).

Preferred
Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with food processing equipment operation and repair.
• HACCP, PCQI, Better Process
  Controls School (BPCS), and ServSafe certifications.
• Experience developing and implementing food safety programs.
• Plant
  floor production experience in food manufacturing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication,
  collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple
  projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Ability to maintain regulatory compliance and
  audit readiness.
• Strong problem-solving skills and customer service orientation.
• Flexibility to travel and work outside
  normal business hours as required.

Additional Information:

Salary Information:

Commensurate with
education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

None

Optional
Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact
Information:

Jean-Francois Meullenet, Senior AVP, [email protected]

All application materials must be uploaded to the
University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment
contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:
Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports
Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for
applicants being considered for employment.  The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry
check.  Required checks are identified in the position listing.  A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication
information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position.  Background
check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law. 

The
University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities
(including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national
origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy.
Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s
Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to
work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the
Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:
Hearing, Manipulate items with
fingers, including keyboarding, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Talking, Walking

Frequent Physical
Activity:
Kneeling, Lifting, Pulling, Standing, Stooping

Occasional Physical
Activity:
N/A

Benefits Eligible:
Yes