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Operations Readiness Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Partner cross-functionally to align operational readiness with customer commitments and project timelines * Collaborate with Supply Chain and Fleet Operations teams to ensure proper inventory levels ...

Validating audience setup, suppression logic, tracking configuration, and operational readiness prior to launch * Maintaining governance protocols, operational standards, and execution frameworks ...

This highly consultative role partners directly with agency leadership to guide operational strategy, readiness, and implementation for new systems, service expansions, and complex transit programs.

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Operations Readiness information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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How much do operations readiness jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for operations readiness in Chicago, IL is $21.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.36 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Operations Readiness vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectOperations ReadinessMaintenance Technician
Required CredentialsCertifications in safety, operations, and sometimes engineeringTechnical certifications, trade licenses, or vocational training
Work EnvironmentPre-commissioning, startup, and ongoing operational supportEquipment repair, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, manufacturing, energy sectorsManufacturing plants, facilities, industrial sites
Common Search & ComparisonOperations Readiness vs Maintenance Technician

Operations Readiness focuses on preparing facilities for safe and efficient startup, including planning, testing, and commissioning. Maintenance Technicians handle ongoing equipment maintenance and repairs. While both roles require technical skills, Operations Readiness emphasizes project coordination and startup procedures, whereas Maintenance Technicians focus on equipment upkeep and troubleshooting.

Is operations readiness a high paying job?

Operations readiness roles can offer competitive salaries, especially in industries like energy, manufacturing, and technology. Compensation often depends on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the operations involved, with senior positions typically earning higher wages.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operations Readiness jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Operations Readiness jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Operations Readiness Manager

Winland Foods, Inc.

Oak Brook, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


Winland Foods rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

179th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


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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