Sr. Manufacturing Manager

Location: Downers Grove, IL

Salary: $ USD Annually - $ USD Annually

Growing food manufacturer in the Chicago suburbs is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Manager that will direct daily production operations to maximize throughput, ensure uncompromising food safety, and drive cost efficiency. Leading a multi‑shift team in a high‑volume food manufacturing environment, this role champions continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) and fosters a proactive culture of workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

• Drive daily manufacturing processes to consistently meet or exceed throughput, yield, and schedule adherence targets.
• Partner with maintenance and engineering to eliminate bottlenecks, minimize downtime, and maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
• Lead plant‑wide Lean, 5S, and Six Sigma initiatives to reduce ingredient waste, optimize labor, and streamline workflows.

• Maintain year‑round, audit‑ready compliance with FDA, USDA, OSHA, and SQF/BRC standards.
• Oversee strict allergen management, Clean‑in‑Place (CIP) protocols, and QA partnerships to eliminate contamination risks.
• Champion a zero‑incident safety culture through behavioral safety audits, root‑cause analyses, and compliance training.

• Manage, mentor, and build a high‑performing team of supervisors and operators across a multi‑shift operation.
• Manage the departmental OpEx and labor budgets, actively tracking and correcting unfavorable variances in yield and labor.

• 7+ years in manufacturing leadership, with 3+ years specifically in food/beverage processing or high‑speed CPG.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• HACCP and SQF Practitioner certifications highly preferred;
  Lean Six Sigma Green/Black Belt is a major plus.
• Proficiency with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Net Suite) and automated processing/packaging equipment.

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