Production Manager
Glendale Heights, Illinois
$105,000.00/year
Executive Search
Job ID: 52368702
Job Description
Production Manager – Food Manufacturing (Glendale Heights, IL)
Reports to: Senior Director of Operations & Sales
Department: Operations / Production
Location: Glendale Heights, IL M - F, 6:30 am - 4:30 pm
Position Summary
The Production Manager is responsible for leading and developing all manufacturing operations at the Glendale Heights facility, ensuring the consistent, safe, and efficient production of high-quality food products that meet customer specifications. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong technical knowledge, people management skills, and operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
The Production Manager will oversee daily production activities, plan and prioritize schedules, allocate resources effectively, and collaborate closely with cross-functional departments including Quality, Sales, Maintenance, and Inventory. This role will focus on building a structured, high-performing production team, implementing best practices, and driving continuous improvement in safety, efficiency, and product quality.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee all production activities to ensure safety, quality, and performance goals are met.
- Plan and execute production schedules in collaboration with Sales, Quality, and Inventory teams.
- Supervise production teams to ensure efficient machine setups, changeovers, and cleaning procedures that minimize downtime.
- Monitor key performance indicators such as yield, rework, and throughput to drive continuous improvement.
- Ensure adherence to product formulations, blending standards, and packaging specifications.
- Align production schedules with customer demand and sales forecasts.
- Anticipate labor, raw material, and equipment needs to prevent production delays.
- Communicate priorities and updates effectively across all departments.
- Maintain strong cross-functional relationships to ensure smooth production flow and on-time order fulfillment.
- Oversee safe and efficient operation of all production equipment, including grinders, blenders, sifters, mixers, and packaging lines.
- Supervise maintenance and preventive care programs to reduce downtime.
- Analyze machine performance data (OEE, uptime, and cycle efficiency) to identify bottlenecks and implement process improvements.
- Support new product trials, test runs, and process validations.
- Ensure all production activities comply with SQF, HACCP, GMP, and FDA standards.
- Partner with Quality Assurance to ensure all products meet specifications for texture, grind, flavor, and food safety.
- Support Pre-Op inspections, documentation, and corrective actions.
- Maintain complete traceability and batch record documentation.
- Drive a strong culture of food safety and continuous improvement throughout the facility.
- Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors, line leads, and hourly staff.
- Establish clear expectations, KPIs, and performance metrics for all team members.
- Conduct regular coaching and evaluations to encourage accountability and growth.
- Promote teamwork, communication, and engagement on the production floor.
- Identify skill gaps and coordinate training and cross-training programs.
- Ensure all production data, inventory transactions, and reports are accurately recorded in the ERP system.
- Review production reports and analyze data for accuracy and efficiency.
- Use ERP tools and analytics to monitor KPIs and optimize visibility across departments.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives for production and quality issues.
- Implement lean manufacturing and efficiency improvements across all lines.
- Foster a proactive problem-solving culture by empowering employees to share ideas for improvement.
- Maintain updated SOPs, training materials, and visual work instructions.
- Enforce all company safety policies and regulatory standards.
- Participate in regular safety inspections, audits, and corrective follow-ups.
- Promote a proactive, zero-incident safety culture through coaching and accountability.
- Support the Senior Director of Operations & Sales in long-term capacity, labor, and equipment planning.
- Contribute to annual KPI target setting and operational strategy.
- Recommend capital improvements and layout optimizations to support growth and efficiency.
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
- Minimum 7 years of experience in food or ingredient manufacturing, including at least 3 years in a production management or supervisory role.
- Proven ability to lead multi-shift operations in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
- Strong understanding of food safety programs (SQF, HACCP, GMP, FDA).
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to interpret OEE and efficiency data.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to lead a diverse workforce effectively.
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Food Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience with spice, ingredient, or dry blending production processes.
- Lean manufacturing or Six Sigma experience a plus.
Key Attributes
- Hands-On Leader: Visible and engaged on the production floor.
- Structured & Organized: Builds clear systems, processes, and accountability.
- Collaborative Communicator: Fosters alignment across all departments.
- Analytical & Results-Oriented: Uses data to drive improvement and efficiency.
- Developer of People: Invests in coaching and developing strong, capable teams.
- Adaptable: Thrives in a dynamic environment with shifting priorities.
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(Salary range based on experience)
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Job ID: 52368702
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