Operations Readiness Manager

The Operations Readiness Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all activities required to successfully transition new food products from development into full-scale manufacturing. This role acts as the bridge between R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Commercial teams to ensure launches are on time, cost-effective, and meet quality standards. This individual will report to the PMO Director with dotted line reporting to the Operations Director.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

IL Oak Brook

Job Type:

Production Operations

Job Posting Title:

Operations Readiness Manager

Job Description:

Schedule: Hybrid office schedule with up to 60% + travel expectations

Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP, Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.

Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $93k - $140k annually with additional bonus potential

Position Responsibilities:

• Lead complex, enterprise-wide projects through disciplined project management practices, overseeing detailed schedules, critical paths, deliverables, stakeholder communications, risk mitigation, and cross-functional alignment to achieve business objectives.

• Lead cost and feasibility response for all new and reformulated products, as well as network moves. This involves coordination with R&D, Procurement, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and others.

• Develop and manage detailed project timelines for new product introductions (NPIs) and network moves

• Ensure all critical milestones are met (ingredient sourcing, packaging readiness, line trials, etc.)

• Coordinate multiple simultaneous plant trials, scale-ups, and first production runs

• Partner with plant teams to ensure materials, equipment, labor, and capacity are ready and available

• Identify and mitigate production risks prior to launch

• Ensure BOMs (Bill of Materials), routing, and specifications are accurate in systems

• Ensure all products meet food safety, regulatory, and quality standards, as well as customer standards

• Track and manage launch-related costs (waste, trial runs, overtime, etc.)

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency during scale-up

• Support post-launch cost optimization efforts

• Proactively identify risks to timelines, cost, or quality

• Lead problem-solving efforts during trials and initial production

• Escalate issues appropriately with recommended solutions

Qualifications and Requirements:

• 3–7 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or product commercialization

• Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management, Supply Chain, Business or related field is preferred

• Knowledge of food manufacturing processes and plant operations is highly preferred

• Experience with new product launches or plant trials preferred

• Experience with ERP systems (SAP)

• Experience with stage-gate or commercialization processes

• Understanding of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, FSMA)

• PMP Certification is preferred

• Lean / Six Sigma experience is a plus

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

About Us

At Winland Foods, we’re passionate about creating exceptional food experiences that bring people together. We are a dynamic and growing company specializing in meal preparation products—from pasta and sauces to plant-based proteins and more. Our portfolio includes beloved consumer brands and custom private-label solutions for retail and foodservice channels.

Why Work With Us?

We believe in being exceptional from the land to the table . That means:

• Commitment to Quality: We consistently exceed industry standards across our value chain.

• Sustainability & Responsibility: We prioritize environmental stewardship and make a positive impact on the world around us.

• People First: The safety, well-being, and growth of our employees are at the heart of everything we do.

Our Culture

We’re a team of food enthusiasts who value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. At Winland Foods, you’ll find an environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are recognized, and your career can thrive.

Explore Opportunities

At Winland Foods, you’ll find opportunities across operations, supply chain, marketing, and product development—roles where your work truly makes an impact. By joining our team, you become part of a forward-thinking organization that values passion, collaboration, and shared success with our customers. Together, we’re shaping the future of food.

To All Recruitment Agencies

Winland Foods does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to Winland Foods employees, or any company location(s). Winland Foods is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.