Plant Manager - Flavors

PLANT MANAGER - FLAVORS

We’ve been retained by a global leader in ingredients and flavors to identify a talented Plant Manager to lead the launch and operations of a brand‑new flavor manufacturing plant in the Greater Chicago Area! This is a high‑impact role responsible for overseeing construction, assembling and developing a high‑performing operations team, and ensuring the site meets critical safety, quality, cost, and performance objectives.

This role reports to the CEO.

Greater Chicago Area (Hybrid)

≈25%

• Oversee the construction and commissioning of the plant in partnership with corporate project teams
• Lead the installation and qualification of production equipment and internal logistics
• Hire, onboard, and manage a local operations team (production, logistics, maintenance)
• Guarantee operational KPIs: safety, quality, cost, service level
• Establish local procedures and align with global production and quality standards
• Coordinate with R&D, Supply Chain, and Quality functions
• Manage local suppliers and service providers
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Kaizen)
• Report plant performance and risks to headquarters

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, or related field
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in plant or operations management
• Flavor manufacturing experience required
• Proven leadership experience and excellent team‑building skills
• Experience with ERP systems
• Ability to multi‑task, prioritize and manage time effectively
• Proven management of high‑paced responsiveness and communication with representatives throughout the company
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong strategic planning and analytical skills

Base salary range of $140,000 – $160,000 per year, with bonus opportunity based on performance. Other benefits include medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401(k) plan, paid company holidays, and paid time off.

Full‑time

Director