Plant Manager

ZipRecruiter; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the confectionery industry is seeking an experienced Plant Manager for its Wood Dale, IL facility. This role involves overseeing production, safety, and team management while driving operational efficiency and maintaining compliance with food safety standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in plant operations and proven leadership experience.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision benefits

Paid time off and company holidays

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years in plant operations with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in packaging is required.
• Strong understanding of food safety programs (GMP, HACCP, SQF).

Responsibilities

• Lead plant operations including production planning and workforce management.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards.
• Drive efficiencies and monitor KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Tools

ERP systems

Production-related software

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Plant Manager – Wood Dale, IL
$140,000-$155,000 + Full Benefits, PTO, Bonus, Profit sharing and More.

About Us
For over 100 years, our company has been producing high-quality sugar confections enjoyed by consumers of all ages. As a trusted name in the confectionery industry, we’re committed to consistent quality, innovation, and operational excellence. Our team takes pride in working together to deliver a diverse range of products that meet evolving customer preferences. We continue to build on our legacy by adapting to market demands while staying true to our values of craftsmanship and integrity.

Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee daily operations of our manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for leading production, maintenance, safety, and quality assurance teams to ensure efficient and compliant operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who can drive performance, implement best practices, and foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of plant operations including production planning, equipment maintenance, quality assurance, safety, and workforce management.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards (GMP, HACCP, FDA, SQF) and internal quality protocols.
• Drive operational efficiency and cost control initiatives without compromising quality or safety.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess operational effectiveness and make data-driven decisions.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team; provide training, coaching, and performance feedback.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments such as R&D, supply chain, and executive leadership to align on business goals.
• Oversee plant budgeting, including labor, materials, and overhead.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture throughout the facility.
• Lead or support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years in plant operations with at least 3 years in a leadership role; experience in packaging required.
• Solid understanding of regulatory requirements and food safety programs (GMP, HACCP, SQF, etc.).
• Proven track record of improving operational performance and team development.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficient in using ERP systems and production-related software.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package
• Health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Professional development and growth opportunities
• A stable and respected company with a long-standing industry presence