Job Description

Production Manager – Baked Food Manufacturing

Location: Wheeling, IL

Salary: $85K – $120K + Profit Sharing ($10K–$20K+ potential annually)

Shift: 1st Shift (5 a.m. – 3 p.m.) / 2nd Shift (3 p.m. – 11 p.m., seasonal)

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Production Manager to lead operations at a baked food manufacturing facility. This is a unique opportunity for a proven food manufacturing leader to take ownership of production, drive operational excellence, and build on a strong foundation of quality and efficiency.

This is not a highly automated corporate environment. Our facilities are high-volume batch operations that require practical, on-the-floor leadership, operational rigor, and a collaborative approach. The ideal candidate thrives in smaller, founder-led companies while delivering results with humility, transparency, and strong analytical insight.

Why This Role is Exciting

• Profit Sharing: High performers are rewarded quarterly, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 in the first year, with potential for growth.
• Autonomy: Lead production your way. You will have ownership of daily operations and process improvements.
• Growth Opportunities: As the leadership team ages, there is room for increased responsibility and influence.
• Transparency: Direct, honest communication from leadership. You will know exactly where you stand.

Key Responsibilities

On-the-Floor Management (40–50%)

• Lead daily production operations, including shift management and contract labor oversight.
• Troubleshoot production issues and implement continuous improvements.
• Mentor and develop production staff across multiple shifts (8–20 direct reports).

Supply Chain & Procurement (20%)

• Manage inventory, burn rates, lead times, and minimum order quantities.
• Oversee purchasing to ensure smooth production flow.

Planning & Scheduling (20%)

• Lead short- and long-term production planning.
• Optimize processes and shift transitions for efficiency.

Administrative & Team Management (10%)

• Support hiring, training, and employee development.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and company standards.
• Provide regular reports on KPIs, metrics, and production performance.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Food Manufacturing Experience: 5–10+ years, preferably in bakery or baked goods production.
• Leadership: 3–5+ years managing production teams and shifts.
• Technical Skills: HACCP, SQF, FDA, USDA compliance knowledge.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to troubleshoot machinery and processes.
• Analytical Skills: Strong Excel and data analysis experience; proven cost reduction results.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to monitor and improve processes while maintaining product quality.

Nice to Have

• Lean, 5S, Six Sigma experience
• Culinary background
• Experience with small batching and analog production equipment
• Military background or structured leadership experience

Who Will Thrive Here

• Self-directed and adaptable in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment
• Confident yet humble, able to inspire rather than dictate
• Comfortable with transparency and open communication
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on team success

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision coverage with flexible allowances
• 401(k) plan
• PTO based on tenure
• Profit-sharing program
• Opportunities to influence and grow within a founder-led organization

Application Process

• 1–3 steps: Initial 30-minute interview via Teams, followed by in-person onsite with leadership