New

Processing Manager- AFIC@MCO

University of Arkansas
United States, Arkansas, Fayetteville
346 North West Avenue (Show on map)
Feb 17, 2026
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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 compliance@uada.edu. 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, jfmeull@uark.edu All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://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