Assistant Plant Manager
Job Description
Location: Elk Grove Village, IL
Sterling has helped build careers for thousands of professionals like you. Our experienced recruiters support you every step of the way, and as a Best of Staffing–recognized firm, we connect top talent with exceptional employers across the U.S.
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
Retirement: 401(k) with company match
Compensation: $115,000–$150,000 annually, plus bonus potential (based on experience)
A leading food manufacturing company is seeking a Senior Production Manager to oversee multi-shift operations in a USDA-regulated facility. This strategic leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, optimizing production performance, and ensuring compliance with all safety, quality, and food safety standards. The Senior Production Manager will lead department managers and supervisors, champion process improvements, and play a key role in shaping the plant’s long-term operational strategy.
- Provide leadership and direction to production teams to meet daily, weekly, and monthly output goals.
- Oversee production planning, scheduling, and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and minimize downtime.
- Partner with Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to ensure compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, and GMP standards.
- Develop and implement strategies to improve safety performance, product quality, and overall plant productivity.
- Monitor KPIs, control operating costs, and manage labor to achieve budgetary and financial objectives.
- Coach and mentor production leadership, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.
- Support capital projects, new product introductions, and capacity expansion initiatives.
- Ensure adherence to company policies, food safety programs, and regulatory requirements.
- Bachelor’s degree required (Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, or related field preferred).
- Minimum of 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in food or beverage manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a production management role.
- Proven success managing large teams in a fast-paced, high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of USDA regulations, HACCP, GMP, and food safety systems.
- Demonstrated experience in Lean Manufacturing, process optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and analytical skills.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
Meet Your Recruiter
Alicia Alexander
Technical Recruiter & Team Mentor
Alicia Alexander is a Technical Recruiter and Team Mentor at Sterling Engineering with four years of recruiting experience and nearly three years with Sterling. She specializes in engineering, manufacturing, and technical recruiting, supporting roles across maintenance, reliability, operations, engineering, and industrial environments, including food and life sciences.
Alicia is passionate about helping people find careers where they feel genuinely happy, supported, and positioned for long-term growth. She enjoys building meaningful relationships with candidates, helping them take the next step in their careers, and supporting companies as they build strong, high-performing teams.
With a background in psychology and human resources from North Central College, Alicia brings a people-focused approach to recruiting. Her understanding of relationship building, communication, and candidate motivation helps her create successful matches between talent and opportunity.
Alicia is known for developing strong partnerships with both candidates and hiring managers, with a focus on creating long-term placements that benefit both the individual and the organization.