Production Manager

Location: Wheeling, IL
Compensation: $85,000 to $110,000 base + profit share

We are seeking a hands-on Production / Operations Manager to lead an artisan food manufacturing facility in Wheeling, IL, with occasional oversight support to a second local plant.

This is an A-player search for a proven food manufacturing leader who thrives in a smaller, entrepreneurial environment. The right candidate will bring operational rigor, strong leadership presence, and measurable results in cost reduction and performance improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily production across one to two shifts (8 to 20 direct reports)

• Drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency

• Manage scheduling, labor planning, and purchasing

• Review KPIs and production data to identify and act on inefficiencies

• Ensure compliance with food safety standards, including HACCP, SQF, and FDA

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of food manufacturing or CPG experience

• 3+ years of leadership experience in a production environment

• Proven cost reduction and performance improvement results

• Strong Excel and analytical skills

• Mechanical aptitude and shop floor leadership presence

Ideal Candidate

• Career-stable and results-driven

• Self-directed and comfortable in a less structured setting

• Leads through influence, not authority

• Able to inspire long-tenured teams

• Confident, humble, and data-oriented

The schedule is primarily first shift, with second shift operating seasonally.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a growing food manufacturing operation.