Accurate Personnel

Compensation

Full Description

Production Manager – Food Manufacturing (Glendale Heights, IL) Reports to: Senior Director of Operations & Sales Department: Operations / Production Location: Glendale Heights, IL 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 1. Daily Operations & Production Management • 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. 2. Production Planning & Coordination • 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. 3. Equipment & Process Optimization • 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. 4. Quality & Food Safety Compliance • 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. 5. Leadership & Team Development • 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. 6. ERP Systems & Documentation • 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. 7. Continuous Improvement & Problem Solving • 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. 8. Safety & Compliance • 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. 9. Strategic Contributions • 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. Position Type • Full-time, on-site leadership role based in Glendale Heights, IL. • Regular floor presence required; occasional evening or weekend support during peak periods. • Reports directly to the Senior Director of Operations & Sales. ABOUT ACCURATE PERSONNEL Do you need your next job fast? 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