Product Manager

Overview

Our client is a leading Italian producer of premium cured meat products and is currently seeking a Production Manager for its manufacturing facility in Bartlett, Illinois
.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience in meat processing and/or cured meat production
, with strong technical knowledge of processes such as fermentation, curing, drying, and value-added meat manufacturing.

The role will be responsible for overseeing product processing activities, ensuring product quality and consistency, optimizing yields and efficiencies, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

• Meat Processing Operations
  :
  Lead and oversee all meat processing activities related to salami, sausage, coppa, and other cured meat products.
• Ensure compliance with approved recipes, product specifications, and processing procedures.
• Supervise critical production phases including meat selection, trimming, grinding, mixing, seasoning, stuffing, curing, fermentation, drying, and packaging.
• Monitor product yields and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure consistency of product quality across all production batches.

• Monitor and manage critical processing parameters, including fermentation and drying room conditions.
• Collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance team to ensure compliance with USDA, HACCP, food safety, and quality requirements.
• Support product investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions related to processing issues.
• Maintain processing records and documentation required for regulatory compliance.
• Supervise and develop meat processing personnel.
• Provide technical training and coaching on processing techniques, product specifications, and best practices.
• Assist the Production Manager in workforce planning and daily operational coordination.
• Promote a culture of food safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities to improve product quality, consistency, yields, and operational efficiency.
• Support new product introductions and process optimization initiatives.
• Collaborate with Plant Management on process improvements, equipment upgrades, and capacity expansion projects.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in salami, sausage, dry-cured meat, or value-added meat production.
• Strong knowledge of fermentation, curing, drying, and meat processing technologies.
• Experience working in USDA-regulated food manufacturing environments.
• Solid understanding of HACCP, GMPs, sanitation, and food safety requirements.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work flexible hours when production requirements demand operational support.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.

• Product yield performance
• Batch-to-batch consistency
• Processing efficiency
• Waste and rework reduction

• Food safety compliance
• Regulatory compliance performance

• Training and development of processing personnel
• Technical competency development
• Employee retention within the processing team

• On-time completion of production schedules
• Support of customer service and production objectives

• ABS: DOE
• PTO: 3 weeks + sick days + holidays
• Health + Vision + Dental covered 80% for employees (60% for family members)