Production Manager

Title: Production Manager

Location: near Lombard, IL

Overview:

Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision

Bonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: 401k and annual bonus potential

Pay: $120,000-135,000

Job Summary:

• A leading food manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Production Manager to oversee operations within a high-volume processing environment. This role is responsible for driving production performance, optimizing efficiency, and ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance.
  
  

• Lead and manage daily production operations to achieve targets related to quality, yield, labor efficiency, and schedule adherence
• Optimize the use of personnel, equipment, and capital resources to meet customer expectations and operational goals
• Foster a positive, respectful, and high-performing team culture through strong leadership and employee development
• Ensure consistent adherence to product quality standards, equipment performance, and operational best practices
• Support budgeting processes, monitor spending, and analyze operating costs within assigned areas
• Identify cost or labor variances, communicate risks to leadership, and implement corrective actions
• Collaborate cross-functionally to promote strong employee relations and operational alignment
• Ensure full compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including food safety and workplace safety standards
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
• 5+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing, preferably within protein or meat processing environments
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams
• Strong knowledge of regulatory requirements (OSHA, FDA, USDA)
• Experience with GMPs, SOPs, HACCP, and food safety/quality systems
• Direct experience working in USDA-regulated facilities required
• Strong communication skills with the ability to develop and implement clear processes and procedures
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus