Multi-Plant Manager at Blue Signal Search Springfield, IL

Downtown Boulder Partnership; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental Insurance

401(k) Match

Annual Performance Bonuses

Wellness Support

Job summary

Downtown Boulder Partnership is seeking a Multi-Plant Operational Leader to oversee operations at a multi-facility processing campus in Springfield, Illinois. This key role demands over 10 years of experience in large-scale process manufacturing and offers a competitive salary with comprehensive benefits.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, exceptional leadership skills, and experience in driving operational performance. The position is integral to managing significant projects and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in large-scale, high-volume process manufacturing preferably in food, chemical, or agricultural commodities.
• Strong financial skills with P&L management capability.
• Hands-on leadership style to inspire frontline teams and corporate stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations across multiple production facilities.
• Drive performance and safety across a workforce of 400 employees.
• Manage capital projects exceeding $30M annually.

Skills

Process manufacturing experience

Financial acumen

Leadership in union facilities

Expertise in continuous processing systems

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred)

Job description

Our client holds a distinguished reputation for operational excellence, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to environmental integrity. The organization is looking for a seasoned Multi-Plant operational leader to take charge of an expansive, multi-facility processing campus that ranks among the top globally in scale and strategic importance. This role is ideal for someone with a strong foundation in chemical or continuous process manufacturing who thrives in high-visibility, high-stakes environments.

This Role Offers:

• Competitive base salary, plus comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental, 401(k) match, and annual performance bonuses.
• Dynamic career progression opportunities within a company known for its significant community impact and commitment to ethical, fair business practices.
• Work in a culture celebrated for high standards of honesty, integrity, and respect, recognized by Newsweek and Fortune Magazine for its outstanding workplace environment.
• Engaging mentorship and development programs, including tuition assistance and company-sponsored training resources.
• Generous wellness support including medical coverage, on-site wellness centers, gym reimbursements, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Focus:

• Oversee operations across multiple interconnected production facilities specializing in high-volume food ingredient and byproduct manufacturing.
• Drive performance across a unionized workforce of nearly 400 employees, with responsibility for production, safety, maintenance, engineering, quality, and logistics.
• Drive operational projects aimed at increasing production output, reducing operational costs, and maintaining high standards for safety and regulatory compliance
• Manage capital projects exceeding $30M annually, aligning execution with long-term business objectives.
• Partner with commercial teams and the C-suite to align production strategies with customer demand and market dynamics.
• Cultivate a strong safety culture and continuous improvement mindset across all levels of the organization.
• Act as the community and corporate liaison, ensuring operational integrity and enhancing public and stakeholder relations.

Skill Set:

• 10+ years in large-scale, high-volume process manufacturing with direct experience in food, chemical, or agricultural commodities.
• A bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred); advanced degrees a plus.
• Strong financial acumen, capable of managing P&L and complex capital expenditures.
• Experience leading union facilities and navigating high-pressure political or executive environments.
• Expertise in continuous processing systems, including solvent extraction, ammonia chilling, distillation, and hydrogenation.
• Familiarity with PSM (Process Safety Management), TPS, or other advanced safety and operational frameworks.
• A hands‑on leadership style with the ability to inspire and influence both frontline teams and corporate stakeholders.
• Proven capability in change management, performance turnarounds, and operational scaling.