Regional Plant Operations Manager – Manufacturing

IPG; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

IPG is seeking a Regional Operations Manager for the Protective Packaging division, based in Chicago, IL, overseeing three manufacturing sites. You will lead regional strategy to drive safety, productivity, and cost performance while aligning with business objectives.

You will champion lean initiatives, manage staffing and succession planning, and partner with Plant Managers to resolve operational challenges across dispersed teams. This role emphasizes accountability and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience driving operational excellence and performance systems (Lean, TPS, or similar).
• Strong background in safety leadership and process discipline.
• Experience leading multi-site operations and geographically dispersed teams.
• Proven ability to influence leaders, develop teams, and drive accountability.
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management.
• Experience in unionized environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional strategy to achieve operational, financial, and safety objectives.
• Drive productivity improvements, cost optimization, and waste reduction across sites.
• Champion safety standards and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Partner with Plant Managers to resolve operational challenges and optimize performance.
• Oversee staffing strategy and succession planning for the region.
• Implement standardized systems, including lean and IPG Performance System.
• Monitor financial performance including P&L against budget targets.
• Analyze KPIs to drive continuous operational improvements.
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across sites.
• Ensure consistent execution of company policies and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Safety leadership

P&L management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field

Tools

Lean manufacturing

Job description

Join the IPG Team!
Are you ready to elevate your career? At IPG, we are more than just a global leader in packaging and protective solutions—we are a community that values safety, people, passion, integrity, performance, and teamwork. From tapes and films to packaging and protective products, as well as engineered coated materials and advanced packaging machinery, we develop innovative solutions that protect the world. Now, we are expanding our global team and looking for talented individuals like you!

Regional Operations Manager — Protective Packaging

Location: Chicago, IL

Oversight: Chicago IL, Toronto, ON, Carlstadt, NJ

About the Role

IPG is seeking a results-driven Regional Operations Manager to lead operations across a portion of our Protective Packaging division. This role will provide strategic and operational leadership across three manufacturing sites and drive performance through strong safety practices, disciplined processes, and continuous improvement.
This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for aligning regional operations with business objectives while fostering a culture of safety, efficiency, and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute regional strategy to achieve operational, financial, and safety objectives
• Drive productivity improvements, cost optimization, and waste reduction initiatives across all sites
• Champion world-class safety standards and ensure compliance with regulatory and company requirements
• Partner with Plant Managers and business leaders to resolve operational challenges and optimize performance
• Oversee staffing strategy, organizational effectiveness, and succession planning for the region
• Lead the implementation of standardized systems, including lean manufacturing and performance systems (e.g., IPG Performance System)
• Monitor financial performance, including P&L, and ensure alignment with budget targets
• Analyze and drive improvements using key operational metrics and KPIs
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture across all sites
• Ensure consistent execution of company policies, procedures, and operational standards

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Technology, or related field
• experience in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated experience driving operational excellence and performance systems (Lean, TPS, or similar)
• Strong background in safety leadership and process discipline
• Experience leading multi-site operations and geographically dispersed teams
• Proven ability to influence leaders, develop teams, and drive accountability
• Strong financial acumen, including P&L management
• Experience in unionized environments is a plus

What Sets You Apart

• You bring operational rigor from organizations known for best-in-class safety and disciplined processes
• You are a strategic thinker who can translate vision into execution across multiple sites
• You thrive in complex environments and excel at aligning teams toward common goals
• You are comfortable challenging the status quo and driving measurable change

Why Choose IPG?

At IPG, you will find more than just a job—you will find a place where your success is our success. We pride ourselves on a culture built around strong relationships, where every team member plays a crucial role in our growth. Whether it is through cross-department collaboration, continuous training, or sustainability-driven initiatives, we create an environment where you can thrive.
Our commitment to sustainability influences everything we do, from designing eco-friendly products to minimizing waste in our production processes. We are dedicated to building a greener future while providing safe, supportive workplaces for our people.
With over 40 years of industry expertise and a proven track record of growth and innovation, IPG offers a stable, secure environment where you can flourish!
We offer competitive pay, extensive benefits that support you and your family, and exciting career development opportunities. Whether you are looking to enhance your skills or advance your career, we offer ongoing training and the support you need to succeed. Think big, dream bigger, and make an impact with IPG.
You belong here. Join us today!