Seafood Processing Room Manager

Description

The Company

J.J. McDonnell was founded in 1945 and was originally located in the downtown Baltimore Seafood Market. In 1984, J.J. McDonnell relocated its operations to the Maryland Seafood Market in Jessup, Maryland. In October of 2016 J.J. McDonnell moved into a larger facility in Elkridge, Maryland, where we currently reside. J.J. McDonnell has established a market leadership position in Maryland, Washington D.C, and Northern Virginia as a provider of high-quality seafood products and services.

Over the years, the product focus has transitioned from predominately fresh fish to a healthy mix of fresh and frozen seafood. We cater to a wide range of customers, from Retail to Bar & Grill, Sushi to American Steakhouse, or from small ‘Mom and Pop’ stores to a large National Chain.

J.J. McDonnell prides itself on being a company that offers more than just a product. We offer our customers a wealth of knowledge, information and education about the seafood industry and the products our customers are buying and serving. It is our pleasure and purpose to provide seafood products, services, and support that will enable our customers to enhance their own business.

The Opportunity

The Processing Room Department Manager will be a key member of the Operations Leadership Team, reporting to the Director of Operations. This individual will oversee the processing and fulfillment operations across two shifts, ensuring the highest levels of efficiency, accuracy, and product quality in all processing activities.

As a critical link in the supply chain, the Processing Room Department Manager must possess a deep understanding of seafood products, the ability to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and a commitment to continuous improvement and safety. They will drive operational excellence through process innovation, staff leadership, and data-driven decision-making.

This position offers the opportunity to introduce operational efficiencies, develop value-added product solutions, and positively impact J.J. McDonnell's growth and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

The Processing Room Department Manager will oversee the operations of the seafood processing room across two shifts (10:00 PM to 6:00 AM and 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM), managing a team of 60-75 employees. Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee daily production, labor management, and KPI performance across all processing shifts.
• Forecast production needs using sales and historical data to align staffing and production goals.
• Analyze and manage yield performance; create and manage cost-to-build guides and yield databases.
• Drive improvements in labor efficiency (e.g., payroll-to-pounds metrics), process flow, and equipment utilization.
• Develop, implement, and monitor SOPs to ensure safety, quality, and consistency.
• Partner with cross-functional departments (Purchasing, QA/QC, Sales, Finance, HR, etc.) to align priorities and resolve issues.
• Lead hiring efforts, performance evaluations, training programs, and daily team huddles.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant facility adhering to HACCP, FDA, USDA, and BRC standards.
• Innovate and identify opportunities to create value from byproducts or excess inventory.
• Ensure all QA/QC inspections are performed prior to shipment.
• Monitor and document employee hours and ensure proper break scheduling.
• Fill in and support operations in times of staffing shortages.
• Complete special projects and assignments as requested by leadership.

Reporting Relationship

The Processing Room Department Manager reports to the Director of Operations.

Education and Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or a related field preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• 8-10 years of experience in seafood processing or related manufacturing.
• Documented management and leadership training a plus.
• Strong seafood knowledge, including storage and handling.
• Experience with SeaSoft or similar ERP systems.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication skills (English required; Spanish a plus).
• 5-7 years of leadership experience in a production environment.
• Experience with processing equipment (e.g., scalers, skinners, filleting, portioning, packaging machines).
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Proven track record in planning, scheduling, and executing daily production operations.
• Preferred but not required - Six Sigma Certification.

Leadership Competencies

• Operates with the highest ethical standards and values.
• Leads by example; motivates and develops team members.
• Adaptable and capable of shifting priorities to meet evolving customer and production needs.
• Direct communicator who promotes clarity, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Collaborative, team-oriented leader who can work cross-functionally to drive results.

Location

Elkridge, Maryland

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, stand, talk, walk, and hear.
• The employee is constantly required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee occasionally is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and walk. 
• The employee is capable of lifting, pulling, or pushing 75% - 100% of the time.
• The employee is capable of lifting and/or moving up to 75 pounds often.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee works mostly indoors in the warehouse and on occasion outside for brief periods of time. The employee can be exposed to wet and/or humid, hot, cold, and snow conditions, fumes or airborne particles and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet to loud.
• The performance of this position may routinely require exposure to the manufacturing areas where personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, hearing protection, hair nets and gloves may be mandatory.

Equal Opportunity Employer

J.J. McDonnell is committed to providing a diverse workforce experience. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, ancestry, veteran, or disability status. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merits, and business needs.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 

Benefits
J.J. McDonnell offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• Voluntary Short-term & Long-term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401(k) plan
• Other employee perks