Plant Director

creative werks; Bartlett (IL); On-site; USD 185,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health and wellness benefits

401K and company match

Paid Time Off

On-site gym

Continuous learning and development opportunities

Job summary

A family-owned manufacturer in Bartlett, Illinois is seeking a Plant Director to oversee operations and ensure a strong focus on safety and quality. The ideal candidate will have extensive manufacturing leadership experience, particularly in the food or beverage sector, and a proven ability to improve plant performance. This role involves driving continuous improvement initiatives, developing talent, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Competitive compensation in the range of $185,000 - $230,000 is offered, along with robust benefits.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in food or beverage operations.
• Strong working knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements (GMP, SQF/HACCP, HARPC, FDA, USDA, OSHA, EPA).
• A people-first leadership style with the ability to engage, develop and retain talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead with a safety and quality-first mindset, ensuring compliance with GMPs and FDA regulations.
• Drive operational performance through data-driven analysis of production results.
• Develop and execute continuous improvement plans to support productivity and cost control.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Food safety knowledge

Lean methodologies

Team development

Performance improvement

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

As Plant Director, you will be trusted to lead our Bartlett facility as your own by stewarding our people, our products and the reputation we’ve built as a family-owned manufacturer. You will serve as the driving force behind the plant, providing clear direction across production, maintenance, quality, safety and warehousing through a visible, engaged presence on the floor. With the autonomy and support to lead, you will strengthen culture, drive performance and position this plant for continued success. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who values continuous improvement, people development and delivering outcomes with precision.

What You’ll Own and Achieve:

• Lead with a safety and quality-first mindset, ensuring compliance with GMPs, HARPC, FDA, OSHA, and all food safety standards
• Set clear goals and strategic direction for the plant, aligning objectives with the company's mission and core values in the areas of safety, quality, cost, delivery and morale
• Drive operational performance through data-driven analysis of production results, downtime, yields and labor utilization
• Apply Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodologies to optimize processes, reduce waste and increase efficiency within the operation
• Develop and execute capital and continuous improvement plans that support safety, productivity, cost control and long-term growth
• Build, coach and develop a strong management team, setting expectations and creating opportunities for future growth
• Work across departments to align resources and ensure business requirements are met in areas such as cost, financial controls, quality, safety and company initiatives
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement by channeling the energy and enthusiasm of employees to achieve organizational goals and drive improved business performance
• Communicate proactively and transparently about risks, priorities and progress
• Ensure food safety and product integrity, supporting all quality systems and regulatory requirements related to legality, compliance and consumer protection

What You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience in manufacturing leadership
• 10–15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in food or beverage operations
• Demonstrated success leading safe, compliant and high-performing teams and manufacturing environments
• Strong working knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements (GMP, SQF/HACCP, HARPC, FDA, USDA, OSHA, EPA)
• Proven ability to improve performance using KPIs, process management systems and structured problem-solving
• Sound financial and business judgment, including budgeting, capital planning and cost control
• Practical experience with Lean, TPM, root cause analysis (RCA), and continuous improvement (CI) principles and tools
• A people-first leadership style with the ability to engage, develop and retain talent

Food Safety Responsibilities:

• Attend all food safety training sessions (GMP, SQF, HACCP, Allergen, Food Facility Security, Preventing Foodborne Illness)
• Participate in company GMP walks
• Enforce company rules regarding food safety and monitoring
• Attend Food Safety Team meetings

Working Conditions:

• Office setting and warehouse environment with temperature range of 55 – 80 degrees
• This position may require the employee to work weekends or shifts other than their own to meet the needs of the business.

Physical Requirements:

• Operate standard office equipment.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Lift up to 25 pounds

Benefits of Werking for CW:

• Fun, creative, and inviting atmosphere – plus the perk of working with cool food brands!
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• 401K and company match
• Paid Time Off
• On-site gym
• Audible Subscription
• Continuous learning and development opportunities

The approved annualized base compensation range for this role is established at $185,000 - $230,000. Final offer amounts will be determined based on candidate skills, qualifications, experience and domain expertise.