Why This Role Stands Out
-
Lead a high-output meat processing and high-speed packaging operation with three direct reports and 80+ employees
-
Relocation assistance available for candidates outside the Chicagoland area
-
Work for an established food manufacturer with a growing and well-known product portfolio
-
Direct access to a tenured Director of Operations who provides strong leadership support
-
Metrics-driven culture using KPI scorecards and Red Zone production management systems
About the Role
This is a floor-based production leadership role at a large-scale, USDA-regulated meat processing and packaging facility focused on ready-to-eat products. You will oversee multiple production lines across a 300,000 square foot facility, spending time on the floor leading through presence, accountability, and clear expectations rather than from behind a desk.
This role requires someone who can present to CEO-level leadership, understand production financials, drive KPIs, and build a team culture rooted in accountability and respect. If you have a strong background in USDA ready-to-eat meat manufacturing and want a high-visibility leadership role with real earning potential, this is worth a serious look.
Responsibilities
-
Oversee all daily production operations across multiple meat processing and packaging lines in a USDA-regulated, ready-to-eat manufacturing environment
-
Manage and develop production supervisors and a workforce of employees
-
Drive KPI performance across yield, schedule attainment, and labor efficiency
-
Use Red Zone or similar production management systems to monitor real-time floor performance
-
Ensure compliance with USDA, OSHA, and all applicable food safety and regulatory requirements
-
Partner with HR on hiring, corrective action, employee development, and labor relations
-
Monitor production costs, labor utilization, and budget adherence
-
Lead short and long-term planning efforts in alignment with the Director of Operations
-
Maintain a strong floor presence and build a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
-
Collaborate cross-functionally with quality, maintenance, and scheduling teams
Requirements
-
Bachelor's degree required, ideally in Engineering, Animal Science, Operations / leadership or related education
-
5+ years of experience in a USDA-regulated, ready-to-eat meat processing environment
-
Proven leadership presence with the ability to communicate clearly at all levels including executive leadership
-
Strong working knowledge of production KPIs, OEEs, labor metrics, and yield management
-
Experience with Red Zone or comparable production management systems preferred
-
Comfortable and effective in a union manufacturing environment
-
Bilingual English and Spanish a plus
-
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP preferred
