Plant and Port Manager

Midwest Salt, LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k with company matching

Health and dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Midwest Salt is seeking an hands‑on Operations Manager to oversee the international terminal, port, rail spur, and production facility in Chicago. You will lead and coach teams, manage budgets, ensure safety, and drive continuous improvement while aligning with corporate goals.

The role requires blending technical production acumen with strategic leadership, vendor management, and cross‑functional collaboration to keep our operations efficient, reliable, and aligned with growth objectives.

Qualifications

• Leadership of cross‑functional teams and excellent communication.
• In‑depth knowledge of production processes, equipment maintenance, and lean principles.
• Understanding of OSHA standards and environmental safety practices.
• Budgets, cost analysis and efficiency metrics.
• Ability to identify inefficiencies and drive improvements.
• Experience shaping strategy and managing external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and inspire the Chicago plant team toward goals with staffing, training, performance reviews, and career development.
• Oversee production schedules and processes; manage outsourcing vendors for performance.
• Uphold product and service standards; prevent shrinkage and ensure quality.
• Control operating and capital budgets; schedule and coordinate equipment maintenance.
• Develop and enforce safety policies; ensure compliance with MARSEC and regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and product quality; forecast production capacity.
• Coordinate with supply chain and external stakeholders for material availability and distribution.

Skills

Leadership

Technical production

Safety compliance

Financial acumen

Problem solving

Strategic planning

Job description

At Midwest Salt, we don’t just deliver salt – we deliver excellence. With almost 40 years in the industry, we’ve mastered the trifecta: top-quality products, competitive pricing, and reliable, on-time delivery. But what truly sets us apart is our people.

Why Midwest Salt?

We believe in building win-win relationships, not just with our customers and vendors but with our team members too. When you join Midwest Salt, you become part of a dynamic, agile work environment where your ideas and contributions truly matter. We foster a community that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Guided by proven processes, we are committed to helping you reach your career goals as we grow together toward becoming the largest nationwide salt distributor.

About Grit One

Grit One is Midwest Salt with a port address. For almost 40 years, Midwest Salt has kept roads safe across the Midwest with top-quality product, competitive pricing, and on-time delivery. Grit One is where that supply chain starts. Vessels and barges unload at our Port of Chicago terminal, product gets stockpiled, and it moves out fast to the customers who count on us every winter. You get the stability of an established company and the energy of a growing operation. Our port is expanding, and the people we hire now will help build it

About the Role

As a hands‑on leader and manager, you’ll oversee the entire operations of the international terminal, ocean and river port, rail spur, and production facility. The role demands a blend of technical expertise, managerial acumen, and strategic insight to optimize facility performance.

We believe the person in this role can and will perform (as needed) any role in the plant to ensure they can lead and coach teams, manage budgets, ensure safety, and drive continuous improvement, all while aligning with the company's overarching goals. We’re looking for someone eager to dive in, make a difference, and grow with us every step of the way!

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Team Development: Lead, manage, and inspire the Chicago plant team to achieve their goals while fostering a high‑performing environment through effective staffing, training, performance evaluations, and career development initiatives.
• Production Oversight: Oversee all production schedules and processes, ensuring operations run efficiently while meeting quality standards. Manage outsourcing vendors by selecting, assessing, and driving measurable performance results.
• Product and Service Standards: Focus on eliminating shrinkage, maintaining strict quality controls, and delivering fast, reliable customer service to meet or exceed client expectations.
• Budget and Equipment Management: Control operational and capital budgets to ensure financial efficiency, while maintaining equipment through proactive scheduling and coordinating purchases.
• Safety & Compliance: Develop, implement, and enforce safety policies that comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including MARSEC standards. Conduct regular safety training and ensure strict adherence to workplace safety and environmental standards.
• Strategic & Operational Improvement: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency and product quality. Contribute to strategic planning by forecasting production capabilities and identifying growth opportunities.
• Stakeholder and Supply Chain Coordination: Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including suppliers and community leaders, while coordinating with the internal supply chain team to ensure timely raw material availability and efficient distribution of finished goods.

Skills & Qualifications

• Leadership and Communication: Proven ability to lead and manage cross‑functional teams with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Technical and Production Expertise: In-depth knowledge of production processes, equipment maintenance, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Strong understanding of OSHA standards, environmental regulations, and safety best practices.
• Financial Acumen: Proficiency in budget management, cost analysis, and operational efficiency metrics.
• Problem‑Solving and Continuous Improvement: Skilled in identifying inefficiencies and driving initiatives to enhance operations and reduce waste.
• Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Management: Experience contributing to organizational strategy and managing external stakeholder relationships.

Why You Should Apply

• Be part of a company that values your success as much as its own.
• Opportunity for growth and development in a supportive environment.
• Work with a team that encourages innovation, collaboration, and learning.

Benefits Include

• 401k with company matching
• Health and dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Supplemental life insurance
• Short‑term and long‑term disability
• Vacation Days Off
• PTO Days Off
• Bonus Days Off

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday, with availability required for vessel arrivals and peak season demand

Work Location: In person