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Plant Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Hot Dip Galvanizing Plant

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Plant Manager - Hot-Dip Galvanizing Operations

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plant Manager - Hot-Dip Galvanizing Operations Location: Confidential Relocation: Full relocation package & temporary housing allowance available Are you an operational leader with deep, hands-on ...

Axion Recruitment

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Plant Manager

Hammond, IN · On-site

$180K - $205K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Plant Manager * Hammond, IN * Days, M-F * Packaging Manufacturer * $180,000 - $205,000 + Bonus A ... Lead all daily manufacturing and facility operations * Maximize production output, efficiency and ...

Casa of Hobart

Plant Operations Technician

Hobart, IN · On-site

Position Overview Casa Healthcare is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Technician to join our ... Minimum of 5 years of experience in plant management, with at least 3 years in a long-term care ...

Prime Healthcare

Director of Plant Operations

Olympia Fields, IL · On-site

$103K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Management experience necessary * A minimum of 5 years hospital experience in Plant Operations leadership. * Knowledge of hospital associated codes. * Experience in management/supervision of all ...

MedSpace Services

Director of Plant Operations

Olympia Fields, IL · On-site

$103K - $149K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Management experience necessary * A minimum of 5 years hospital experience in Plant Operations leadership. * Knowledge of hospital associated codes. * Experience in management/supervision of all ...

Logoplaste

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Plant Manager

Plainfield, IL · On-site

$140K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Plant Manager position directs and manages all plant operations with overall responsibilities for production, maintenance, quality, and other production-related activities. Key Tasks &Activities.

Labor Solutions, LLC

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Plant Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead the overall operations of a high-volume food manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for plant production, employee safety, product ...

VantagePoint Alliance

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Manufacturing Plant Manager

South Holland, IL · On-site

$115K - $135K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The successful candidate will serve as the operational quarterback for the GSS implementation ... Minimum 3 years leading manufacturing operations as a Plant Manager, Operations Manager ...

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All JobsPlant Operations JobsPlant Operations Manager JobsPlant Operations Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Plant Operations Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$32.4K

$115.5K

$187.1K

How much do plant operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operations manager in Chicago, IL is $115,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $143,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant operations manager?

To thrive as a Plant Operations Manager, you need strong leadership, operational management, and problem-solving skills, often backed by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with manufacturing ERP systems, lean manufacturing principles, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Exceptional communication, team-building, and decision-making abilities set outstanding managers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for optimizing production efficiency, ensuring safety compliance, and driving continuous improvement in plant operations.

What are some common challenges faced by plant operations managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Plant Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining production efficiency, ensuring equipment reliability, and managing diverse teams across multiple shifts. Balancing productivity with safety and regulatory compliance can be demanding, especially when unexpected machine breakdowns or supply chain disruptions occur. Effective managers address these challenges by implementing preventive maintenance schedules, fostering open communication among team members, and utilizing data-driven decision-making to optimize processes. Additionally, staying proactive about training and development helps the team adapt to new technologies and industry standards.

What is the difference between Plant Operations Manager vs Plant Supervisor?

AspectPlant Operations ManagerPlant Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire plant operations, manages teams, ensures safety and efficiencySupervises daily activities of plant workers, ensures production targets are met
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field; often has management experienceUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; experience in plant operations
Work EnvironmentOffice and plant floor, strategic planning, team managementPrimarily on the plant floor, direct supervision of staff

The Plant Operations Manager focuses on overall plant performance, strategic planning, and team leadership, while the Plant Supervisor handles daily supervision of workers and production tasks. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is a plant operations manager a high paying job?

A plant operations manager typically earns a competitive salary that varies based on industry, location, and experience. In general, it is considered a well-paying role within manufacturing, industrial, or production environments, often requiring leadership skills and knowledge of operations management tools. Salaries can range from moderate to high depending on the size and complexity of the facility.

Is a plant operations manager a stressful job?

A plant operations manager often faces stress due to managing production schedules, ensuring safety compliance, and meeting efficiency targets. The role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle unexpected issues in a fast-paced environment, which can contribute to job-related stress.

What does a plant operations manager do?

A plant operations manager oversees the daily functions of a manufacturing or processing plant, ensuring production efficiency, safety, and quality standards are met. They coordinate staff, manage budgets, implement procedures, and use tools like ERP systems to optimize operations.

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Plant Operations Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Plant Operations Manager job openings:

Plant Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Operations Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,471 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Plant Manager - Hot-Dip Galvanizing Operations

Hot Dip Galvanizing Plant

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

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Job description

Plant Manager – Hot-Dip Galvanizing Operations

Location: Confidential

Relocation: Full relocation package & temporary housing allowance available

Are you an operational leader with deep, hands-on expertise in hot-dip galvanizing? A well-established and rapidly growing metal finishing company is seeking an experienced, results-driven Plant Manager to take full ownership of our primary production facility.

If you thrive on the shop floor, know galvanizing chemistry inside and out, and excel at leading non-union teams, this is your opportunity to run a high-performing operation with complete P&L autonomy.

What You’ll Do

  • Total Operational & P&L Leadership: Drive safety, throughput, quality, and profitability for a single-kettle facility producing 5,000 tons annually.
  • Hands-On Plant Management: Oversee daily operations, including flux chemistry balance, kettle maintenance, and downtime reduction while maintaining strict adherence to ASTM A123 standards.
  • Team Development: Lead, mentor, and build a positive workplace culture for a dedicated team of 14–18 salaried and hourly personnel.
  • Continuous Improvement: Champion Lean and Six Sigma principles to optimize efficiency, curb costs, and ensure strict compliance with environmental and wastewater regulations.

What We’re Looking For

  • Mandatory Technical Background: 8+ years of progressive leadership specifically in hot-dip galvanizing or steel coating operations. Candidates without direct galvanizing or metal coating experience will not be considered.
  • Non-Union Workforce Expertise: Proven track record of directly engaging, motivating, and managing a non-union workforce.
  • Technical Mastery: Deep working knowledge of kettle operations, flux chemistry, and galvanizing best practices.
  • Business Acumen: Demonstrated success driving performance across safety metrics (TRIR), operational throughput, and bottom-line profit.

Compensation & Perks

  • Base Salary: $120,000 / year
  • Performance Bonus: 5% of net profit
  • Relocation Support: Comprehensive relocation allowance + temporary housing assistance
  • Transportation & Tools: Company vehicle, company credit card, laptop, and mobile phone
  • Benefits Package: Health insurance, dental allowance, 2 weeks PTO, and a Simple IRA with up to 3% company match

Note: Confidentiality is paramount. Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and specific location details will be provided to qualified candidates during the initial screening.