Operations Manager - Cold Storage Production

Operations Manager, Protein TemperingJoliet, IL$95,000 to $125,000 per yearA temperature-controlled logistics and food operations company is hiring a hands-on Operations Manager to lead daily production operations within a fast-paced warehouse environment. This role oversees boxing, unboxing, repackaging, labeling, rework, and overall production flow, driving measurable performance in labor productivity, throughput, quality, and operational consistency in a refrigerated, temperature-controlled setting.ScheduleFull time.Compensation$95,000 to $125,000 per year, based on experience.What You'll DoThis role leads all daily production operations, including boxing, unboxing, repackaging, labeling, and rework activities, driving performance across throughput, labor efficiency, quality, inventory accuracy, and production flow. The manager ensures production schedules are executed safely and efficiently in accordance with customer requirements, monitors staffing levels, allocates labor resources, and adjusts workforce plans based on workload demands, identifying operational bottlenecks and implementing process improvements to maximize productivity.The role supervises production leads and hourly production employees, establishing accountability and clear performance expectations while coaching, training, and developing team members and reinforcing operational discipline, safety, and quality standards. The manager supports workforce engagement, retention, and overall team performance, ensures proper product handling procedures and inventory accuracy throughout production workflows, and maintains compliance with food safety, sanitation, quality assurance, and cold chain requirements. This role partners closely with warehouse, quality, and shipping teams to ensure operational consistency and customer satisfaction.The role also monitors and reports on key performance indicators, including labor productivity, throughput, quality, and operational efficiency, using WMS and KPI tracking systems to support decision-making and operational visibility, and analyzes performance trends to recommend corrective actions or continuous improvement initiatives.Required Qualifications5 or more years of warehouse, production, packaging, food processing, or operational leadership experienceCold storage, food distribution, manufacturing, or temperature-controlled operations experienceExperience with repackaging, rework, value-added services, or production operationsExperience leading hourly production or warehouse teamsStrong understanding of labor productivity and throughput managementExperience operating within KPI-driven environmentsExperience with WMS or production tracking systemsStrong organizational and operational leadership skillsPreferred QualificationsBilingual English/SpanishExperience in startup or high-growth operational environmentsCompensation and Benefits$95,000 to $125,000 per year, based on experienceMedical, dental, and vision insurance401(k) planPaid time offTo apply, submit your resume for consideration.