Production Department Manager

Department: Manufacturing

Location: West Chicago, IL (Far Western Suburbs)

Minimum Salary: $116,734

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Shift: 1st Shift

Scheduled

Work Hours:

Monday - Friday 5:30am - 3:30pm with OT and Saturdays as needed

For nearly a century, The Jel Sert Company has focused on creating high-quality, high-value foods and beverages that help bring people together. Jel Sert is proud of being awarded the Great Place to Work certification, along with being recognized as a Best Workplace to Work in Chicago and Best Workplace to Work in Manufacturing and Production. We are currently looking for a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as a Production Department Manager
. If you are looking for a work environment that encourages personal growth, responsibility, and a shared vision for creating incredible products that help create lasting memories, then Jel Sert wants you!

This newly created role within our manufacturing environment is designed to provide comprehensive training and development. The selected candidate will get the unique opportunity to rotate through our three key manufacturing departments, Blending, Liquid, and Powder, while gaining valuable insights and hands‑on experience. Throughout this period, the manager will be trained and mentored by our senior management team, who will offer guidance, support, and expertise to foster professional growth and ensure the manager is well‑prepared for their role.

This fresh approach will ensure a well‑rounded understanding of our production process before the manager is assigned to a specific production department.

The Production Department Manager will manage and coordinate the activities of Jel Sert's Manufacturing Department to obtain optimum operational efficiency and maximize profits. The Department Manager will respond to all production issues by pursuing and implementing solutions. The manager will follow all production and organizational objectives and be responsible for the Safety, Quality, and Efficiency of production within the department.

• Safety awareness and utilize KPA System.
• Compliance with SQF requirements (HACCP, Verification of CCP's etc.).
• Sanitation and housekeeping.
• Planning of production requirements.
• Departmental Goals, Training, Discipline and Accountability.
• Inventory reporting.
• Development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures.
• New Item Development and Implementation.
• Assist in creating and achieving departmental goals.
• Employee training, discipline and accountability.

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a food & beverage manufacturing leadership role.
• Ideal candidate will have experience leading teams, departments, and managing and developing staff.
• Understanding of labor relations and working within a union environment.
• Proven leadership with excellent communication skills.
• Build and sustain successful business relationships, both internally and externally.
• Strong understanding of safety within the manufacturing environment.
• Understanding of quality within manufacturing and supply chain processes, continuous improvement methodologies, and environmental practices.
• Experience in diagnosing manufacturing issues by problem‑solving to increase operational efficiencies.
• An associate's degree is preferred.

• Solid knowledge of manufacturing operations.
• Desire to develop your career and grow with a stable company.
• Professional yet strong communication skills, both verbal & written.
• Highly organized, methodical, disciplined, and detail‑oriented.
• Effective interpersonal skills with strong problem‑solving skills.
• A customer‑focused team player with strong planning and organizational skills.
• Utilize leadership and teambuilding skills for employee growth and retention.
• Lead by example, morally and ethically.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred, but not required.

The Jel Sert Company is committed to pay transparency and will provide further compensation information during the interview process. The minimum annual compensation for the Production Department Manager is $116,734. This position is also eligible…