Plant Director

CREATIVE WERKS LLC • Bartlett, IL

1d • $185,000 - $230,000 • Onsite

About The Position

Job Summary:

As Plant Director, you will be trusted to lead our Bartlett facility as your own by stewarding our people, our products and the reputation we’ve built as a family-owned manufacturer. You will serve as the driving force behind the plant, providing clear direction across production, maintenance, quality, safety and warehousing through a visible, engaged presence on the floor. With the autonomy and support to lead, you will strengthen culture, drive performance and position this plant for continued success. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who values continuous improvement, people development and delivering outcomes with precision.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience in manufacturing leadership
• 10–15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in food or beverage operations
• Demonstrated success leading safe, compliant and high-performing teams and manufacturing environments
• Strong working knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements (GMP, SQF/HACCP, HARPC, FDA, USDA, OSHA, EPA)
• Proven ability to improve performance using KPIs, process management systems and structured problem-solving
• Sound financial and business judgment, including budgeting, capital planning and cost control
• Practical experience with Lean, TPM, root cause analysis (RCA), and continuous improvement (CI) principles and tools
• A people-first leadership style with the ability to engage, develop and retain talent
• Attend all food safety training sessions (GMP, SQF, HACCP, Allergen, Food Facility Security, Preventing Foodborne Illness)
• Participate in company GMP walks
• Enforce company rules regarding food safety and monitoring
• Attend Food Safety Team meetings
• Operate standard office equipment.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Lift up to 25 pounds

Responsibilities

• Lead with a safety and quality-first mindset, ensuring compliance with GMPs, HARPC, FDA, OSHA, and all food safety standards
• Set clear goals and strategic direction for the plant, aligning objectives with the company's mission and core values in the areas of safety, quality, cost, delivery and morale
• Drive operational performance through data-driven analysis of production results, downtime, yields and labor utilization
• Apply Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodologies to optimize processes, reduce waste and increase efficiency within the operation
• Develop and execute capital and continuous improvement plans that support safety, productivity, cost control and long-term growth
• Build, coach and develop a strong management team, setting expectations and creating opportunities for future growth
• Work across departments to align resources and ensure business requirements are met in areas such as cost, financial controls, quality, safety and company initiatives
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement by channeling the energy and enthusiasm of employees to achieve organizational goals and drive improved business performance
• Communicate proactively and transparently about risks, priorities and progress
• Ensure food safety and product integrity, supporting all quality systems and regulatory requirements related to legality, compliance and consumer protection

Benefits

• Fun, creative, and inviting atmosphere – plus the perk of working with cool food brands!
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
• 401K and company match
• Paid Time Off
• On-site gym
• Audible Subscription
• Continuous learning and development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager