Senior Manager, Sweeteners Operations

Ingredion • Bedford Park, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create. Location: Argo Plant (Bedford Park, IL) Workplace type: On Site This is a role for a seasoned operations leader to make a meaningful impact by driving strategic initiatives, optimizing production, and fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. With broad cross-functional influence and responsibility for a large team, this role offers the chance to shape the future of a key manufacturing site while developing talent and advancing operational excellence. As the Senior Manager, Sweeteners Operations is responsible for overseeing the Refinery and Dextrose operating units to meet key objectives in Safety, Quality, Environmental compliance, Production, and Cost efficiency. This role involves driving the site’s long-term strategy to enhance profitability through strategic investments in people, processes, assets, and infrastructure. The manager will lead cross-functional collaboration to align business partners with operational goals, foster a culture of continuous improvement and regulatory compliance, and build a high-performing, motivated team to ensure the stability and success of current and future plant operations. This role reports to the Argo Plant Manager and oversees a team of 2 direct reports and 78 indirectly reports.

Requirements

• Progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing facility, preferably in corn wet milling.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical discipline, or equivalent of education and experience.
• Expectation of ongoing development, which will include transfer to other Ingredion facilities and/or offices in the future.
• Proven ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple assignments effectively, with a history of resolving interpersonal and team conflicts constructively.
• Skilled in selecting, developing, and coaching talent, with strong leadership capabilities that foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and professionalism.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to lead effective meetings and communicate clearly across all levels of the organization.
• Dedicated to cultivating an inclusive work environment that values diverse perspectives and promotes equity, respect, and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Provide EHS leadership and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and GMP standards, striving for best-in-class performance.
• Collaborate with the Plant Leadership Team to enhance employee engagement, empowerment, and overall experience.
• Oversee production, inventory, and cost management while supporting operating unit managers in meeting operational goals.
• Champion the Ingredion Performance System (IPS) to drive sustainable performance and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Engineering, Maintenance, and other departments to streamline operations and remove obstacles.
• Contribute to capital planning and process sustainability, supporting the implementation of innovative technologies and infrastructure improvements.
• Lead performance management and talent development, fostering accountability, customer satisfaction, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees