Director, Plant Operations (Food & Beverage)
Greater Chicago Area | Union Manufacturing
We’re partnering with a respected food & beverage brand on a search for a Plant Director to lead one of their highest-volume production facilities located in the Chicago area.
This facility plays a critical role in the company’s North American manufacturing network and is currently undergoing a multi-year transformation focused on cultural revitalization, operational excellence, and leadership development. We’re seeking a dynamic, floor-focused leader who can bring structure, drive accountability, and elevate plant performance across all areas.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Leading full-plant performance across safety, production, quality, cost, and team engagement
- Driving operational KPIs (safety, line efficiency, budget variance, product quality)
- Coaching a team of ETLs and a couple hundred hourly employees across 24/7 operations
- Partnering with HR and union leadership to support a stable, engaged workforce
- Collaborating with executive stakeholders on plant strategy and continuous improvement
- Leading with integrity and consistency in a high-speed, branded manufacturing environment
What We’re Looking For:
- 10+ years of leadership experience in food & beverage manufacturing
- 3+ years of full-site responsibility as a Plant Director or higher
- Proven success managing in a unionized environment
- Strong understanding of FDA/USDA regulations, EHS standards, and CI practices
- Bachelor's degree required (Engineering, Operations, or related; MBA a plus)
- Strong cultural leadership experience—especially in turnarounds or growth environments
Why This Opportunity Stands Out:
- You'll be joining a well-known brand with decades of experience in North American food & beverage manufacturing
- The company is growth-oriented and deeply committed to quality and brand stewardship
- The plant is receiving ongoing investment in systems, infrastructure, and leadership talent
- Executive leadership is aligned behind a clear strategy for growth, engagement, and operational discipline
This is a high-impact role with strong executive backing, a collaborative environment, and meaningful upside for the right leader. If you’re ready to transform a large site, not just maintain it, this is that kind of opportunity.
