Department Manager

Ingredion Incorporated; Bedford Park (IL); On-site; USD 102,000 - 136,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Job summary

Ingredion Incorporated in Bedford Park, IL is seeking a Department Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations, drive safety and quality, and develop frontline teams. You will optimize productivity, manage costs, and collaborate with cross-functional groups to achieve plant goals.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and prior plant leadership experience, with a strong foundation in operational excellence and data-driven decision making.

Qualifications

• Experience leading manufacturing, production, or operations teams in a plant environment.
• Strong knowledge of operational excellence and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using production and financial data to drive results.
• Proven ability to manage employee relations and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient production.
• Build and develop a high-performing frontline team through hiring, training, and performance management.
• Drive productivity and reliability using KPI management and standard work.
• Analyze data to identify downtime, waste, and improvement opportunities.
• Manage controllable costs while supporting inventory accuracy and production planning.
• Collaborate with Maintenance, HR, Quality, Supply Chain, and site leadership to resolve challenges.
• Lead problem-solving initiatives and sustain results through training and accountability.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Operational excellence

Data-driven decisions

People management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

About Ingredion

Location: Bedford park (Argo), IL
Workplace type: Onsite
Ingredion is seeking a results-driven Department Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. In this role, you will build and develop high-performing frontline teams while ensuring operational excellence and continuous improvement across daily production activities.

As a Department Manager, you will lead plant operations to deliver safe, high-quality production at the required volume while meeting business objectives for safety, quality, capacity, and cost. You will drive operational execution, develop team capabilities, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure reliable and efficient manufacturing performance.

This role reports to the Unit Manager and leads a team of frontline production employees and supervisors.

What You Will Do:

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient production that meets volume, quality, and customer requirements.
• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing frontline team through effective hiring, training, performance management, and employee engagement practices.
• Drive operational excellence by utilizing KPI management, visual management systems, standard work, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve productivity and reliability.
• Analyze operational data to identify downtime, waste, and performance improvement opportunities, translating insights into actionable solutions.
• Manage controllable costs including labor, overtime, waste, utilities, and supplies while supporting inventory accuracy and production planning objectives.
• Partner with Maintenance, Human Resources, Quality, Supply Chain, union leadership, auditors, and site leadership to resolve operational challenges and achieve plant goals.
• Lead problem-solving initiatives, corrective actions, and change management efforts while ensuring sustained results through training, verification, and accountability.

What You Will Bring:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering preferred) or equivalent technical manufacturing experience.
• Experience leading manufacturing, production, or operations teams in a plant environment.
• Strong knowledge of operational excellence, continuous improvement methodologies, root cause analysis, and performance management systems.
• Experience utilizing production and financial data to make informed business decisions and drive operational results.
• Demonstrated ability to manage employee relations, workforce planning, and cross-functional collaboration in a manufacturing setting.

Who You Are:

• A strong operational leader who balances safety, quality, service, and cost while making sound business decisions.
• A collaborative partner who effectively communicates, influences stakeholders, and aligns teams around shared goals.
• A people-focused coach who develops talent, promotes accountability, and fosters an inclusive and high-performing team culture.
• A proactive problem solver who uses data and structured methodologies to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.
• A change champion who communicates vision clearly, adapts to evolving business needs, and drives continuous improvement across the organization.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover Why Ingredion Is The Ideal Place To Advance Your Career With Our Exceptional Rewards And Benefits Package Designed To Help You Thrive. Create The Future With Us And Enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available:

Yes, Within Country

Pay Range:

$102,100.00-$136,166.67 Annual

Incentive Compensation:

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.