Manufacturing Operations Leader Candidate

SEEKING A ROLE AS:
Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Operations Director, Manufacturing Manager, Site Leader, or other Operations Leadership role within the food manufacturing industry.

IN LOCATION:
Chicago, IL preferred; open to relocation for the right opportunity.
Worksite preference: Open

SKILLS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
A transformational operations leader with more than 20 years of experience driving operational excellence across food manufacturing environments. Recognized for building high-performing teams, improving plant performance, and leading large-scale operational transformations through Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and servant leadership. Proven ability to improve safety, quality, productivity, and profitability while developing strong leadership teams and creating cultures of accountability.

– 20+ years of progressive leadership experience across food manufacturing, operations, and supply chain.

– Extensive expertise in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, OEE, Kaizen, SMED, Root Cause Analysis, and Continuous Improvement.

– Led manufacturing operations with responsibility for workforces exceeding 600 employees across high-volume facilities.

– Delivered more than $1 million in documented cost savings through process optimization, waste reduction, and operational improvement initiatives.

– Successfully scaled manufacturing operations, optimized startup facilities, increased production capacity, and improved overall equipment effectiveness.

– Proven leader in food safety, quality systems, employee engagement, talent development, and cross-functional collaboration.

– Experienced partnering with executive leadership to improve operational performance, reduce costs, and execute strategic growth initiatives.

– Passionate about developing people, building strong leadership teams, and creating sustainable operational excellence.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

Professional Certifications:

– Lean Six Sigma (SSB)

– HACCP

– Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)

– Additional coursework in Industrial Psychology

COMPENSATION: Seeking a base salary in the $140,000–$180,000 range, with flexibility depending on overall responsibilities, company size, location, relocation support, bonus structure, and total compensation package.

If you are interested in speaking with an operations leader who:

– Builds high-performing manufacturing teams and develops future leaders

– Consistently improves operational performance through Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement

– Has successfully led large-scale manufacturing operations while driving safety, quality, productivity, and profitability

– Brings a proven record of delivering measurable cost savings, operational scalability, and sustainable process improvements

– Thrives in growth-oriented organizations looking to strengthen operations and build a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, then…Contact:
Stephanie Mattice
stephaniem@kinsa.com
Worksite Preference:Onsite, Hybrid Onsite/Remote Combination
Employment Preference:Permanent