ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Manufacturing Jobs in Downers Grove, IL

Mi-Jack Products, Inc.

Manufacturing Engineer

Monee, IL

$80K - $120K/yr

Director of Quality Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes across assembly and ...

Lanco

Manufacturing Engineer

Hazel Crest, IL

$80K - $120K/yr

Director of Quality Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes across assembly and ...

Lanco

Manufacturing Engineer

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Director of Quality Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes across assembly and ...

Mi-Jack Products

Manufacturing Engineer

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Director of Quality Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes across assembly and ...

Mi-Jack Products

Manufacturing Engineer

Hazel Crest, IL · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Director of Quality Job Summary: We are seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of our manufacturing processes across assembly and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsDirector Manufacturing JobsDirector Manufacturing Jobs in Downers Grove, IL

Director Manufacturing information

See Downers Grove, IL salary details

$69.3K

$141.5K

$209K

How much do director manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for director manufacturing in Downers Grove, IL is $141,542.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,200.00 and $166,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Manufacturing, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Manufacturing, you need expertise in production management, process optimization, and a strong background in engineering or manufacturing, often supported by a relevant degree and leadership experience. Familiarity with ERP systems, lean manufacturing methodologies, and certifications such as Six Sigma are typically required. Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help drive team performance and foster continuous improvement. These competencies ensure efficient operations, high product quality, and achievement of organizational goals in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What are the primary challenges a Director of Manufacturing might face when scaling production operations?

A Director of Manufacturing often encounters challenges such as maintaining product quality while increasing output, ensuring supply chain reliability, and managing workforce scalability. Balancing cost efficiency with innovation and compliance to safety regulations can also be demanding, especially during rapid growth phases. Effective communication and collaboration across departments—such as engineering, procurement, and quality assurance—are critical to successfully scaling operations and meeting organizational goals.

What does a Director of Manufacturing do?

A Director of Manufacturing oversees all aspects of the production process within a manufacturing organization. They are responsible for ensuring that manufacturing operations run efficiently, meet quality standards, and achieve production targets within budget constraints. Their duties often include developing strategies to improve productivity, managing teams and resources, implementing safety protocols, and collaborating with other departments such as engineering and supply chain. Additionally, they analyze production data to identify areas for improvement and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

What is the difference between Director Manufacturing vs Production Manager?

AspectDirector ManufacturingProduction Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire manufacturing operations, strategic planning, and long-term goalsManages daily production activities, schedules, and team supervision
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field; experience in production roles
Work EnvironmentExecutive office, plant oversight, cross-department collaborationFactory floor, production lines, team management
Industry UsageCommonly used in large manufacturing firms and corporationsUsed across manufacturing plants of all sizes

The main difference between a Director Manufacturing and a Production Manager lies in scope and strategic focus. The Director Manufacturing oversees overall manufacturing operations and long-term planning, while the Production Manager handles daily production activities and team supervision. Both roles require relevant technical credentials, but the Director position involves higher-level decision-making and broader responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Downers Grove, IL? The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Downers Grove, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Manufacturing jobs in Downers Grove, IL? For Director Manufacturing jobs in Downers Grove, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Manufacturing jobs in Downers Grove, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Director Manufacturing jobs in Downers Grove, IL are:
What cities near Downers Grove, IL are hiring for Director Manufacturing jobs? Cities near Downers Grove, IL with the most Director Manufacturing job openings:
Director Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Manufacturing job openings in Downers Grove, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,542 per year, or $68 per hour.

Director, Manufacturing Operations

Freseniusglobal

Melrose Park, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job SummaryThe Director, Manufacturing Operations oversees management of all areas of Manufacturing operations to produce products and direct activities so that approved products are manufactured on-schedule within the quality standards and cost objectives.
This position reports directly to the Plant Manager. Directly manages approximately 7 Production Manager(s) and/or Senior Manager(s) for the formulation, filling, and component preparation departments that support the terminal sterilization lines including terminal sterilizers and aseptic fill lines including lyophilizers. Indirectly manages approximately 400 Direct Labor Production Employees and Manufacturing Engineers.
*This position requires working onsite at our Melrose Park, IL site.
*This position does not offer visa sponsorship either now or in the future.
Salary Range: $190,000-225,000.
Position is eligible to participate in an annual bonus plan with a target of 16% of the base salary.
Position is eligible to participate in our medium-term incentive plan.
Final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to experience level, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Our benefits and programs are comprehensive and thoughtfully crafted to ensure our colleagues live healthy lives and have support when it matters most. Benefits offered include a 401(k) plan with company contributions, paid vacation, holiday and personal days, employee assistance program, and health benefits to include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage.Responsibilities
  • Establish and control the processes and procedures for compounding, aseptic and terminal sterilization filling, component preparation, capping, and lyophilization.
  • Assist company officers and senior staff members in the development and formulation of long and short-range planning, policies, programs, and objectives.
  • Develop the manufacturing plan and establish procedures for maintaining high standards of manufacturing operations to ensure that products conform to established customer and company quality standards.
  • Achieve optimum employee levels with the least amount of overhead and raw material costs to meet annual budget.
  • Formulate and recommend manufacturing policies and programs that guide the organization in maintaining and improving its competitive position and the profitability of the operation.
  • Direct and monitor department managers and supervisors to accomplish goals of the manufacturing plan, consistent with established manufacturing and safety procedures. Act as a liaison between department management/subordinate levels, as well as executive/Supervisor levels to inform personnel of communications, decisions, policies, and all matters that affect their performance and results.
  • Hire, train, develop, and evaluate staff. Take corrective action as necessary on a timely basis and in accordance with company policy. Ensure compliance with current federal and local regulations. Consult with Human Resources Department as appropriate.
  • Identify, recommend, and implement changes to improve productivity, reduce defects and reduce cost and scrap, monitor scrap and rework data. Direct the establishment, implementation and maintenance of production standards.
  • Direct and coordinate efforts to improve Right First-Time execution, reduce deviations and manage the prioritization of the deviation writers to close deviations needed for on time batch release.
  • Direct and coordinate various programs essential to manufacturing procedures (e.g., training, safety, housekeeping, cost reduction, worker involvement, security, etc.)
  • Initiate and coordinate major projects (e.g., plant layout changes, installation of capital equipment, major repairs, etc.)
  • Work effectively and relate well with others. Exhibiting a professional manner in dealing with others while working to maintain constructive working relationships
  • Keep current on information and technology affecting functional areas to increase innovation and ensure compliance
  • Participate in the preparation and presentation of site related business metrics and performance metrics, such as Line OEE achievement and production output, to upper level management.
  • Support regulatory inspections and company audits as the Subject Matter Expert for the assigned departments under your control and engage direct reports as needed for support.

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor's of Science degree in related field or equivalent education and experience.
  • 10+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing in a cGMP environment required with 5+ years of progressive levels of managerial experience and broad span of organizational control.
  • Terminal sterilization and lyophilization experience preferred.
  • Excellent analytical and technical skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to communicate and interact with all levels of the organization and manage in a dynamic environment to meet plant and company objectives.
Additional Information

We offer an excellent salary and benefits package including medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance, disability,401K with company contribution, andwellness program.

Fresenius Kabi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, disabilities, or protected veteran status.

Apply