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Operations Readiness Manager Jobs in Carol Stream, IL

Winlandfoods

Operations Readiness Manager

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

The Operations Readiness Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all activities required to successfully transition new food products from development into full-scale manufacturing. This ...

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Operations Readiness Manager information

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$32.1K

$65.6K

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How much do operations readiness manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for operations readiness manager in Carol Stream, IL is $65,633.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,400.00 and $80,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operations readiness manager do?

An Operations Readiness Manager is responsible for ensuring that all systems, processes, and teams are fully prepared for the launch or transition of operations within a business or project. They coordinate between different departments to make sure resources, training, and procedures are in place for a smooth start. This role often involves risk assessment, schedule planning, and the implementation of best practices to minimize disruptions and maximize efficiency. The Operations Readiness Manager plays a key role in bridging the gap between project completion and operational functionality, ensuring business objectives are met.

How does an operations readiness manager typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during project launches?

As an Operations Readiness Manager, you’ll work closely with cross-functional teams such as engineering, project management, supply chain, and quality assurance to ensure all operational requirements are met before a project goes live. This often involves leading readiness assessments, facilitating training sessions, and coordinating handover activities to guarantee that all stakeholders are aligned and prepared for operational start-up. Strong communication and project management skills are essential, as you’ll act as a liaison between technical teams and operations to resolve any last-minute issues and ensure a smooth transition to steady-state operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operations readiness manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operations Readiness Manager, you need strong project management skills, operational planning expertise, and a background in business or engineering, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with ERP systems, project management software (like MS Project), and industry-specific certifications such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma is highly valuable. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities help drive cross-functional teams and manage change effectively. These skills ensure smooth transitions from project development to operational execution, minimizing risks and optimizing performance.

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Operations Readiness Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Operations Readiness Manager job openings in Carol Stream, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,633 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Operations Readiness Manager

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

Winlandfoods
See more jobs at Winlandfoodsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

The Operations Readiness Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all activities required to successfully transition new food products from development into full-scale manufacturing. This role acts as the bridge between R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Commercial teams to ensure launches are on time, cost-effective, and meet quality standards. This individual will report to the PMO Director with dotted line reporting to the Operations Director.

Employee Type:

Full time

Location:

IL Oak Brook

Job Type:

Production Operations

Job Posting Title:

Operations Readiness Manager

Job Description:

Schedule: Hybrid office schedule with up to 60% + travel expectations
Work Location: 2015 Spring Road Suite 400, Oak Brook, IL 60523
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) with match, STD/LTD/AD&D/Life, HSA, FSA, EAP,Hospital indemnity, Accident Insurance, Identity and Fraud Protection Plan, Legal, and Critical Illness.
Salary, based on experience and other qualifications: $93k - $140k annually with additional bonus potential

Position Responsibilities:

  • Lead complex, enterprise-wide projects through disciplined project management practices, overseeing detailed schedules, critical paths, deliverables, stakeholder communications, risk mitigation, and cross-functional alignment to achieve business objectives.

  • Lead cost and feasibility response for all new and reformulated products, as well as network moves. This involves coordination with R&D, Procurement, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Operations, and others.

  • Develop and manage detailed project timelines for new product introductions (NPIs) and network moves

  • Ensure all critical milestones are met (ingredient sourcing, packaging readiness, line trials, etc.)

  • Coordinate multiple simultaneous plant trials, scale-ups, and first production runs

  • Partner with plant teams to ensure materials, equipment, labor, and capacity are ready and available

  • Identify and mitigate production risks prior to launch

  • Ensure BOMs (Bill of Materials), routing, and specifications are accurate in systems

  • Ensure all products meet food safety, regulatory, and quality standards, as well as customer standards

  • Track and manage launch-related costs (waste, trial runs, overtime, etc.)

  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency during scale-up

  • Support post-launch cost optimization efforts

  • Proactively identify risks to timelines, cost, or quality

  • Lead problem-solving efforts during trials and initial production

  • Escalate issues appropriately with recommended solutions

Qualifications and Requirements:

  • 3-7 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, or product commercialization

  • Bachelor's Degree in Project Management, Supply Chain, Business or related field is preferred

  • Knowledge of food manufacturing processes and plant operations is highly preferred

  • Experience with new product launches or plant trials preferred

  • Experience with ERP systems (SAP)

  • Experience with stage-gate or commercialization processes

  • Understanding of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, FSMA)

  • PMP Certification is preferred

  • Lean / Six Sigma experience is a plus

EEO Statement:

Winland Foods seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool, and as a global company we believe our success is enhanced by fostering equity and inclusion in the workplace. Therefore, Winland Foods is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military or veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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