Vice President - Live Weight to Case Ready Optimization

Date: Dec 5, 2025

Location:

Sioux City, IA, US, 51103

Req ID: 78330

Job Function: Other Professional Careers

Niman Ranch supports a community of more than 600 independent farmers and ranchers who raise pork, beef, and lamb traditionally, humanely, and sustainably to deliver the finest tasting meat. It is part of Perdue Farm, 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

We are seeking a highly accomplished and strategically minded Vice President of Live Weight to Case-Ready Optimization to drive transformational performance across our Emerging Brands and Specialty Meats division. This executive leader will oversee end-to-end optimization of the meat processing value chain—guiding products from live-weight intake through carcass utilization, fabrication, value-add processes, and final case-ready packaging.

The ideal candidate brings deep operational expertise, a sharp commercial understanding of protein markets, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in achieving breakthrough improvements. This role will be accountable for advancing yield performance, throughput efficiencies, cost management, and margin enhancement while ensuring the highest standards of food safety, regulatory compliance, and product quality. The VP will champion data-driven decision-making, modern processing technologies, and continuous improvement methodologies to elevate operational excellence and support the growth of our specialty and emerging brands portfolio

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Value Chain Optimization: Maximize carcass utilization and revenue per pound; improve KPIs across harvest, fabrication, portioning, and packaging.
Yield & Quality: Increase premium grade yields (Prime, Choice); develop innovative cutting strategies and high-value retail cuts.
Throughput & Efficiency: Optimize production flows and automation systems to boost capacity and reduce labor costs.
Fabrication & Deboning: Oversee primal breakdown; implement real-time yield tracking technologies.
Case Ready Packaging: Improve portioning accuracy, tray production, and Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) for shelf-life and quality.
Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure HACCP integration, USDA-FSIS compliance, and grade integrity.
Technology & Equipment: Manage processing equipment, inspection systems, weighing/sorting, and automation.

Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Animal Science or similar and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience

The ideal candidate will also have:

HACCP and FSMA certifications.
10-12 years in meat processing operations (fabrication & case-ready focus).
Solid experience managing high-volume facilities (500+ head/day).
Proven yield and efficiency improvements.
Leadership of large teams (100+ employees).
Lean/Six Sigma, KPI management, change management, data analysis, cost control, quality systems.

Preferred: Master’s in Meat Science, co-packer/private label experience, export knowledge, bilingual (Spanish/English), ERP systems.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements

May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
May need to access files, supplies and equipment.

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 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, processing facility.
Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.