Production Operations Manager Jobs in Joliet, IL

ABOUT NOGA FOODS

Noga Foods is a family-owned specialty cheese manufacturer with a heritage dating back to the 1930s. We partner with customers to create customized cheese solutions and private-label products while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality, food safety, and operational excellence.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a hands-on Production Operations Manager to lead daily production operations, develop frontline leaders, and build the systems and processes that will support the next stage of our growth.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a highly visible leadership role for a proactive operations professional who thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments. The ideal candidate is both a problem solver and a builder—someone who can effectively manage day-to-day production challenges while implementing long-term improvements that increase productivity, quality, and team performance.

This role is responsible for leading production teams, developing line leaders, improving communication across departments, and driving operational excellence through accountability, continuous improvement, and strong cross-functional partnerships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

DAILY PRODUCTION LEADERSHIP

• Lead day-to-day production operations across multiple lines.
• Monitor production performance, downtime, scrap, giveaway, throughput, changeovers, and finished product output.
• Conduct daily production stand-up meetings with line leaders to review prior-day results and upcoming production plans.
• Participate in and eventually lead daily production scheduling meetings.
• Ensure production targets are achieved while maintaining quality and food safety standards.

TEAM LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT

• Build strong relationships with line leaders, maintenance, quality, and planning teams.
• Develop frontline leaders through coaching, accountability, and ongoing training.
• Create and implement training and cross-training programs.
• Support recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and retention efforts.
• Manage attendance, performance, and employee relations issues.

CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

• Identify and implement process improvements that reduce downtime, waste, and inefficiencies.
• Develop sustainable systems to prevent recurring operational issues.
• Collaborate closely with maintenance to improve equipment reliability.
• Implement KPI dashboards and performance review processes.
• Drive measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and operational performance.

ACCOUNTABILITY & REPORTING

• Monitor and address production variances daily.
• Ensure accurate completion of production reports and line documentation.
• Communicate key issues, risks, and opportunities to leadership with sound judgment and urgency.
• Hold teams accountable for operational metrics and performance standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluent in both English and Spanish (verbal communication required).
• Previous experience leading production teams and frontline supervisors in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with ERP systems and production reporting tools.
• Strong computer skills, including spreadsheets, reporting, and email communication.
• Experience in highly regulated manufacturing environments such as FDA, SQF, food manufacturing, medical device, or similar quality-driven industries.
• Experienced with using Redzone manufacturing software or coaching.
• Demonstrated ability to lead people, build trust, communicate effectively, and hold teams accountable.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to understand production metrics and make data-driven decisions.
• Familiarity with professional Spanish-speaking workplace cultures.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE

• Quickly build credibility and strong relationships across production, quality, and maintenance teams.
• Resolve operational issues efficiently while implementing long-term improvements.
• Develop line leaders into strong, accountable leaders.
• Improve throughput, reduce waste, minimize downtime, and increase production efficiency.
• Establish systems, processes, and metrics that support operational excellence and future growth.

If you are a hands-on manufacturing leader who enjoys solving problems, developing teams, and creating lasting operational improvements, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.