Production Manager - Spices

Production Manager – Spice Manufacturing

Location: Glendale Heights, IL

Reports to: Senior Director of Operations & Sales

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead daily operations at our Glendale Heights manufacturing facility. This role requires a hands-on, strategic leader who understands people, equipment, and food processing. The ideal candidate will quickly learn the nuances of spice manufacturing—adjusting processes to meet customer specifications—and will excel at translating strategy into strong execution. In addition to overseeing day-to-day production, this leader will build a well-organized, well-trained, and motivated team that consistently meets production targets. The Production Manager will also establish and refine systems, monitor KPIs, and ensure team accountability.

This position receives strategic direction from the Senior Director of Operations & Sales and provides daily or weekly updates as needed. The Production Manager will work closely with the Sales team to meet customer order timelines and with the Quality team to ensure all plant safety, food safety, regulatory, and customer requirements are met.

Key Responsibilities

• Define the production schedule with the planner and oversee daily production to ensure smooth execution, timely delivery, and efficient changeovers.
• Collaborate with Sales to align production with demand forecasts and ensure products are completed on time.
• Adjust and refine processes to meet customer specifications and order deadlines while working closely with Quality and the Senior Director of Operations & Sales.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to maintain compliance with SQF, HACCP, GMP, and all customer specifications.
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and production teams to achieve safety, quality, and performance goals.
• Build structure and clarity through SOPs, process flows, training programs, and documented expectations.
• Strengthen communication and alignment through daily check-ins, weekly meetings, and consistent follow-up.
• Use ERP systems and data to plan, track, and report production metrics; identify opportunities for improved visibility and efficiency.
• Learn plant equipment and processes firsthand to identify areas for improvement and mentor teams effectively.
• Implement strategic initiatives from the Senior Director of Operations & Sales by breaking them into actionable steps and tracking progress.

What We’re Looking For

• 10 years of food manufacturing experience, with at least 4 years in leadership or production management.
• Proven experience in production planning, scheduling, and optimizing changeovers.
• Strong understanding of food processing and food safety systems (SQF, HACCP, GMP).
• Mechanically inclined with working knowledge of OEE and process efficiency principles.
• Demonstrated ability to build systems, set KPIs, and develop high-performing teams.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate clearly across a diverse workforce.
• Comfortable using ERP systems and leveraging data for operational decisions.
• Hands-on, approachable leader who builds trust and accountability.
• Experience with spices, ingredients, or imported agricultural products is a plus.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to lead a strong, dedicated team within a company that values collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement. You’ll have a direct impact on how the plant operates, strengthening cross-functional communication and ensuring that our products consistently meet the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

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