Production Manager | Bakery Operations

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionProduction Manager - 1st Shift Must come from Food Manufacturing Location: Carol Stream, IL
Salary Range: $110,000 – $130,000Bonus: 15% Bonus Potential
Are you a hands-on leader who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments? We’re looking for a Production Manager to join our team on 1st shift and lead daily operations in our production facility. This role is an exciting opportunity to shape team culture, drive operational excellence, and ensure the highest standards of quality and efficiency in food manufacturing. As the Production Manager, you will oversee production activities with a focus on safety, quality, cost-effectiveness, and team development. You’ll work closely with plant leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver on customer commitments while fostering an environment built on respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.
What You’ll Do

• Lead and coordinate production teams to meet daily and long-term goals in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner.
• Ensure product quality, schedule adherence, and optimal equipment performance.
• Monitor budgets, track costs, and implement strategies to improve productivity and reduce waste.
• Proactively identify challenges and implement solutions to drive labor, process, and cost efficiencies.
• Partner with other plant leaders to build a positive, collaborative workplace culture that values safety, , and employee engagement.
• Assess departmental needs, address skill gaps, and provide coaching and development to build a high-performing team.
• Support long-term business growth by aligning production goals with sales and operational strategies.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, GMP, HACCP, and other regulatory standards.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a food or bakery manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing, ideally bakery or processing operations.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams in a multicultural environment.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust and drive results.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and food safety programs (OSHA, FDA, GMPs, SOPs, HACCP).
• Skilled in developing and implementing clear procedures, processes, and performance measures.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) highly .

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to , , , , , , , , , protected veteran status, or genetic information.