Director of Operations
jsk recruitingChicago (IL)
Director of Operations
Posted 2 days ago
jsk recruitingChicago (IL)
SENIORITY
Manager
About the role
Director of Operations Chicago, IL (relocation assistance offered on a case-by-case basis)
Compensation: 225K – 275K + bonus potential
If you think you are the right match for the following opportunity, apply after reading the complete description. About the Role56-year custom food processing manufacturer is looking for a Director of Operations to take full ownership of day-to-day operations at its Chicago location. This is a newly created role, and it was built specifically to bring dedicated senior operational leadership to a facility that does everything by hand This role will own the P&L and lead the full operation across quality, safety, supply chain, distribution, and manufacturing with roughly 7 direct reports and 75 hourly employees across 2 shifts. The right person will have an entrepreneurial mindset, thrive without a instruction, and be comfortable making decisions on the fly in a fast-moving organization where no two days look the same. This is not a role for someone who has spent a career running long production runs at a large manufacturer. This operation is boutique with a high mix of handcrafted products.
Responsibilities:
- Own the full day-to-day operations of the facility including manufacturing, quality, food safety, supply chain, logistics, and HR partnership
- Drive site P&L performance including gross margin, EBITDA, and working capital
- Develop and execute annual operating plans, capital budgets, and long-term strategic initiatives
- Lead and develop a senior leadership team across operations, quality, safety, and supply chain
- Ensure full compliance with SQF, HACCP, USDA, FDA, and customer quality and food safety standards
- Build organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, and talent development
- Present financial and operational performance updates to the President and ownership
Requirements:
- BS/BA required, ideally in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a closely related field. MBA, Master's degree, PMP, or related advanced certifications are a plus 10+ years of senior leadership experience (Plant Manager, Director, GM, VP, etc) in food manufacturing is required
- Demonstrated success leading a manufacturing plant with full P&L accountability
- Strong financial acumen with P&L understanding and the ability to make sound operational and business decisions
- Experience working with ownership, and c-level leadership
- Analytical, data driven and strong background with ERP, MS office and related systems; Redzone experience is a plus
- Executive presence with the ability to lead through influence, accountability, and collaboration
Compensation and Benefits:
- Performance-based bonus opportunity
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) with company match
- Relocation assistance available for the right candidate
- Travel up to 25% as needed
This is a role for someone who is ready to run a business, not just manage a department. xhyhwjd If you have the experience, the presence, and the drive to lead a full operation and help shape the future of a growing food processing company, apply now and let's talk.
Before you apply
Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.
Your profile is current
It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.
Two examples you can talk through
Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.
A number in mind
What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.
Your notice period
Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.
Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.