Operations Manager

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 floor-based production leadership role at a large-scale, USDA-regulated meat processing and packaging facility focused on ready-to-eat products. You will oversee multiple production lines across a 300,000 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 required, 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