Plant Director 3656460

Wetalentia; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Job summary

Wetalentia seeks a Director of Plant Operations to oversee three manufacturing facilities in a fast-paced food production environment. You will drive production, safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives across the organization, while leading a team on the shop floor and ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

The role requires 10+ years in senior manufacturing leadership, familiarity with Lean, TPM, and CI methodologies, and the ability to navigate ambiguity with accountability

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership across international or multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Experience with fresh food manufacturing is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in continuous improvement and operational efficiency initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations across three manufacturing facilities in a fast-paced food production environment.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to production leadership teams.
• Drive safety, quality, and operational excellence while aligning with business goals.

Skills

Leadership

Multi-site operations

Lean Manufacturing

Operational Excellence

TPM/CAPA/CI

Safety & Compliance

Budgeting & Planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Manufacturing systems

Job description

Industry

Mandatory food and beverage or pet food manufacturing.

Company Overview

Our client is a well-established international food manufacturing company with a strong global presence and a rapidly growing footprint in the United States. The organization combines an entrepreneurial mindset with a fast-paced, highly operational environment focused on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

This is not a traditional corporate structure. Leadership is deeply involved in day-to-day operations, priorities may shift quickly, and successful individuals are those who thrive in ambiguity while maintaining strong ownership, accountability, and operational discipline.

The company strongly values:

• Stability and long-term commitment
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Initiative and ownership mentality
• Direct communication and transparency
• Humility and hands-on leadership style

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly operational and hands-on Director of Plant Operations to lead multiple manufacturing operations and oversee the full production organization within a complex food manufacturing environment.

This role is responsible for driving operational excellence across production, safety, quality, efficiency, continuous improvement, and organizational development.

The Plant director will serve as a key operational leader, ensuring alignment between manufacturing operations and overall business objectives while maintaining a strong

presence on the production floor.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring both strategic thinking and daily operational execution.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations across 3 manufacturing facilities within a fast-paced food production environment
• Maintain a highly visible presence on the production floor and actively support daily operational execution
• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to production leadership teams
• Ensure production schedules are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with business needs
• Drive accountability and operational discipline across all levels of manufacturing operations
• Support organizational development and succession planning within the operations team

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead and promote Continuous Improvement initiatives focused on productivity, efficiency, waste reduction, and operational performance
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, TPM, RCA, CAPA, and CI methodologies throughout the organization
• Analyze operational processes and identify opportunities for optimization across production lines and manufacturing systems
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs, implementing corrective actions when necessary
• Support implementation of operational improvements, process standardization, and efficiency initiatives

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Champion a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and operational ownership
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and internal food safety standards
• Partner closely with Quality, Sanitation, Maintenance, and Engineering teams to support operational excellence
• Lead operational response and follow-up related to safety, quality, and compliance issues
• Ensure manufacturing operations consistently meet quality standards and customer expectations

Financial & Strategic Responsibilities

• Manage plant operating budgets and support capital expenditure planning
• Participate in long-range operational planning and future manufacturing expansion initiatives
• Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining operational performance and product quality
• Support operational strategies focused on profitability, efficiency, and sustainable growth

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Quality, HR, and Executive Leadership teams
• Support new product introductions and operational readiness initiatives
• Participate in operational meetings and leadership reviews as required
• Foster strong communication and alignment across departments

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of leadership experience within international or multi-site manufacturing organizations
• Strong background managing large-scale production environments with multiple production lines
• Experience within complex manufacturing environments involving operational variability, multiple SKUs, and fast-paced production
• Fresh food manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• Proven experience driving Continuous Improvement and operational efficiency initiatives
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, TPM, RCA, CAPA, and CI methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, develop people, and build operational structure
• Strong understanding of OSHA, FDA, USDA, GMP, and HACCP regulations
• Experience managing plant operations within highly operational and hands-on manufacturing cultures
• Exposure to capital projects, operational planning, and manufacturing expansion initiatives preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Operations Management, Food Science, Engineering, or related field preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and manufacturing-related systems/applications
• Ability to work flexible hours when operationally required
• Hands-on, shop floor-oriented leadership
• Strong operational presence and accountability
• Ability to balance strategy and execution
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments
• Strong communication and team development abilities
• Ability to drive change and operational efficiency

Compensation

• Full Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k Match, PTO, Relocation, Visa sponsorship for Mexican, Italian or Canadian citizens)