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Head Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Bunge

Operator, S/R

Cairo, IL · On-site

$28.05/hr

Will be trained as head operator * Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications: * 1-3 years or more of major industrial maintenance experience * Strong work ethic, dependability, and a high level ...

Bunge

Operator, S/R

Cairo, IL · On-site

$28.05/hr

Will be trained as head operator * Other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications: * 1-3 years or more of major industrial maintenance experience * Strong work ethic, dependability, and a high level ...

La ZaZa Trattoria

Head Chef

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

We are seeking a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team. The ideal candidate ... Independent restaurant 30 years in a family owned and operated establishment in the heart of ...

La ZaZa Trattoria

Head Chef

Saint Charles, IL · On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

We are seeking a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team. The ideal candidate ... Independent restaurant 30 years in a family owned and operated establishment in the heart of ...

Antioch School District 34

Head Custodian

Antioch, IL · On-site

HEAD CUSTODIAN POSITION SUMMARY The Head Custodian is responsible for overseeing and coordinating ... Checks daily to insure that all exit doors are clear, operating, and remain locked throughout the ...

Wheaton College

Head Men's Lacrosse Coach

Wheaton, IL · On-site

$55 - $62K/hr

Head Men's Lacrosse Coach FLSA: Exempt Job Type: Full-Time Staff Term: 10 Months Staff Work ... Prepare and manage operating, recruiting, and fundraising budgets. Commitment to working and ...

Rogers Corporation

Foamline Head End Operator

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$18 - $23.75/hr

Partner with the engineers and supervisors to help develop sound operator work instructions, train new operators to those work instructions. * Work toward continuous process improvements; participate ...

Illinois College

Head Coach Swim

Jacksonville, IL · On-site

$45K - $55K/yr

Ability to obtain an Illinois Department of Health Pool Operator Certification * First Aid and AED ... Head Men's and Women's Swim Coach/Pool Manager Department: Athletics Reports to: Assistant AD ...

Illinois College

Head Coach Swim

Jacksonville, IL · On-site

Ability to obtain an Illinois Department of Health Pool Operator Certification * First Aid and AED ... Head Men's and Women's Swim Coach/Pool Manager Department: Athletics Reports to: Assistant AD ...

ILLINOIS COLLEGE

Head Coach Swim

Jacksonville, IL · On-site

Ability to obtain an Illinois Department of Health Pool Operator Certification * First Aid and AED ... Head Men's and Women's Swim Coach/Pool Manager Department: Athletics Reports to: Assistant AD ...

Orangetheory Fitness

Head Coach

Oak Park, IL · On-site

Location: Oak Park Orangetheory Fitness is currently seeking a Head Coach who can deliver a ... and operated Orangetheory ® Fitness franchisee, not the franchisor, OTF Franchisor, LLC or any of ...

Advyzon

Director, Head of Investments

Lisle, IL · On-site

Director, Head of Investments We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director, Head of ... This role requires a strategic operator with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving ...

New

Orangetheory Fitness

Head Coach

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

That's why we want you as a Head Coach at Orangetheory Fitness. We're looking for people to lead ... and operated Orangetheory ® Fitness franchisee, not the franchisor, OTF Franchisor, LLC or any of ...

JLL

Global Head of Benefits

Chicago, IL · On-site

Global Head of Benefits Total Rewards | Global HR | JLL The healthcare and benefits landscape is ... Drive Stewardship of a $700M+ Portfolio You will own the financial management of a large operating ...

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All JobsHead Operator JobsHead Operator Jobs in Illinois

Head Operator information

What is a head operator?

Head Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the operation of machinery, equipment, or industrial processes in facilities such as factories, plants, or construction sites. They supervise other operators, ensure safe and efficient workflows, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during operations. Head Operators also coordinate maintenance, enforce safety regulations, and may be involved in training new staff or implementing process improvements. Their leadership ensures that production goals are met while maintaining quality and safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head operator, and why are they important?

To excel as a Head Operator, you need in-depth knowledge of operational processes, leadership abilities, and experience in the relevant industry, often supported by vocational training or technical certifications. Familiarity with machinery controls, SCADA systems, safety protocols, and maintenance management software is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and team management skills help drive efficiency and ensure safety. These competencies are crucial for overseeing smooth operations, minimizing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry regulations.

What are some typical challenges faced by a head operator in managing production teams, and how can they be effectively addressed?

As a Head Operator, common challenges include maintaining consistent production quality, addressing equipment malfunctions promptly, and ensuring effective communication across shifts. Managing a diverse team also requires balancing individual strengths while fostering a collaborative environment. Proactive maintenance scheduling, regular team briefings, and ongoing training initiatives help mitigate these challenges and keep operations running smoothly.

What is the difference between Head Operator vs Machine Operator?

AspectHead OperatorMachine Operator
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in equipment operation and safety trainingUsually needs a high school diploma and on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentSupervises multiple machines or production lines in manufacturing or processing plantsOperates specific machinery in factories, plants, or construction sites
Industry UsageCommonly found in manufacturing, oil & gas, and processing industriesWidespread across manufacturing, construction, and industrial sectors

The Head Operator oversees multiple machines and manages operational processes, requiring additional certifications and leadership skills. In contrast, the Machine Operator focuses on operating specific equipment with less supervisory responsibility. Both roles are essential in industrial settings, but the Head Operator has a broader scope of responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Head Operator jobs in Illinois?

For Head Operator jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Head Operator jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Head Operator jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Head Operator jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Head Operator job openings:

Head Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Operator job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Operator, S/R

Bunge

Cairo, IL • On-site

$28.05/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Bunge rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 444 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

City : CairoState : Illinois (US-IL)Country : United States (US)Requisition Number : 47714
A Day in the Life:
The Operator, S/R performs shipping and receiving duties for rail, barge, and truck operations.
Position Details:
Monday - Saturday rotating shifts, 7am-3pm | 3pm-11pm
Overtime, call-out availability, weekends/holidays, and an on-call rotation are required
Pay rate: $28.05 per hour
Bunge offers a variety of benefits including health and wellness plans, retirement contribution and paid vacation/holidays.
What You'll Be Doing:
  • Load and unload barges including removing covers, dozer and skid steer operation, mooring, hooking up oil hose, reading drafts, barge inspections, etc.
  • Load and unload rail cars to include spotting cars, opening cars, switching, etc.
  • Operate and service switch engine
  • Service mobile equipment, perform minor repairs, lubrication, plant clean up
  • Will be trained as head operator
  • Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:
  • 1-3 years or more of major industrial maintenance experience
  • Strong work ethic, dependability, and a high level of dedication to safety
  • Basic computer and mechanical skills
  • Ability to climb stairs/ladders
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong work ethic, dependability, and a high level of dedication to safety
  • Ability to work primarily in a non-climate-controlled environment over water, heights and confined spaces

Preferred Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Prior experience in an industrial plant or similar environment

At Bunge (NYSE: BG), our purpose is to connect farmers to consumers to deliver essential food, feed and fuel to the world. As a premier agribusiness solutions provider, our team of ~34,000 dedicated employees partner with farmers across the globe to move agricultural commodities from where they're grown to where they're needed-in faster, smarter, and more efficient ways. We are a world leader in grain origination, storage, distribution, oilseed processing and refining, offering a broad portfolio of plant-based oils, fats, and proteins. We work alongside our customers at both ends of the value chain to deliver quality products and develop tailored, innovative solutions that address evolving consumer needs. With 200+ years of experience and presence in over 50 countries, we are committed to strengthening global food security, advancing sustainability, and helping communities prosper where we operate. Bunge has its registered office in Geneva, Switzerland and its corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. Learn more at Bunge.com.
Every day our people exemplify these values, which represent Bunge at its core:
• We Are One Team - Collaborative, Respectful, Inclusive
• We Lead The Way - Agile, Empowered, Innovative
• We Do What's Right - Safety, Sustainability, With Integrity
If this sounds like you, join us! We value and invest in people who believe in our purpose and are excited to live it every day - people who are #ProudtoBeBunge

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