Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Ready to Eat

Location: Franklin Park, IL

Compensation: $130,000 - $160,000 Bonus: Up to 15%, paid quarterly (based on education and experience)

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 leadership role at a large-scale, RTE-regulated meat processing facility focused on USDA products. You will oversee multiple production lines across a 200,000 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 is preferred, 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

Ready to Apply?

This is a well-supported role with a strong team, clear expectations, and real upside for the right leader. If you have the USDA meat processing background and the leadership presence to match, we want to hear from you. Apply now and let's connect.