Operations Lead

Ingredion Incorporated; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental and vision

401(k) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Ingredion Incorporated in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking an Operations Lead to act as the primary on-site contact during site emergencies and oversee plant operations, including off-shifts and holidays.

The role focuses on coordinating rapid responses, driving process improvements, and aligning with cross-functional teams to achieve safety and performance goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field, or a minimum of 3 years manufacturing experience with leadership.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint); familiarity with additional software for operations or data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary on-site contact and Incident Commander during EH&S emergencies; coordinate communications and first responder actions.
• Lead day-to-day facility operations, monitor performance trends, and coordinate issue resolution with relevant teams.
• Oversee emergency maintenance activities ensuring resource allocation and rapid response to minimize downtime.
• Identify and support process-improvement initiatives across manufacturing to boost efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
• Partner with Operations, EHS, and Engineering teams to align with business goals and support capital projects and training.
• Foster relationships across teams and affiliates to promote safety and performance, and participate in site committees and projects.

Skills

Effective Decision-Making

Results-Oriented

Continuous Improvement Mindset

Strong Analytical Skills

Collaborative Team Player

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

TITLE: Operations Lead
LOCATION: Cedar Rapids, IA
REPORTS TO: Department Manager
SUPERVISION: Production Associates

No matter where you work in the company, you’ll have an opportunity to make life better… for our colleagues, customers, communities, and the world.

As the Facility Operations Lead , you will serve as the primary on-site contact during any site emergencies, providing critical leadership and coordination. You will also oversee plant operations during off-shifts, weekends, and holidays. Additionally, you will play a key role in supporting growth initiatives and fostering cross-functional collaboration and communication.

What will you do?

Serve as the primary contact and Incident Commander during environmental, health, and safety emergencies; provide first responder support within the training scope and coordinate internal/external communications.

Lead day-to-day facility operations, monitor performance trends, and ensure timely resolution of operational issues through collaboration with relevant teams.

Oversee emergency maintenance activities, ensuring appropriate resource allocation and swift response to minimize downtime.

Identify, communicate, and support process improvement initiatives across manufacturing to enhance efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Partner with Operations, EHS, and Engineering teams to align with business goals and support strategic initiatives, including capital projects and training.

Foster strong relationships across teams and affiliates, promoting open communication, collaboration, and a culture of safety and performance.

Actively participate in or lead site committees and project teams to drive operational excellence and support key growth objectives.

What you will bring:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field, or a minimum of 3 years of manufacturing experience, including direct leadership of operational teams.

Proficient in Microsoft Office tools, including Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with additional operational or data analysis software is a plus.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to lead meetings, present shift reports, and draft or review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) clearly and effectively.

Who are you:

Effective Decision-Making – Capable of handling diverse tasks and making timely decisions in fast-paced environments, even with limited data.

Results-Oriented – Maintains a strong focus on achieving outcomes while managing multiple complex priorities.
Continuous Improvement Mindset – Regularly identifies areas for enhancement and proposes constructive, value-driven solutions.
Strong Analytical Skills – Applies critical thinking and data analysis to support operational and strategic decisions.

Collaborative Team Player – Works effectively within cross-functional and matrixed teams, fostering cooperation and shared success.

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

Flexible Work Arrangements – We value flexibility to support you both professionally and personally (add/remove depending on role)

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:

$84,400.00-$112,533.33 Annual

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

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.

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.

Ingredion Incorporated

We bring the potential of people, nature and technology together to make life better.

Ingredion Incorporated is a leading global provider of ingredient solutions, transforming plant-based materials into value-added products for diverse markets across over 120 countries.

Food and Beverage Services Accommodation and Food Services

Aug 2025

Footprint

Where they work

5 Westbrook Corporate Center, Westchester, Illinois Westchester, IL, US Calle Roberto Fulton 30, Tlalnepantla de Baz, MEX 54030, MX 1st St SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, US 21 Biopolis Rd, Singapore, Singapore 138567, SG 6400 S Archer Rd, Bedford Park, IL 60501, US 10 Finderne Ave, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, US