Group Leader Jobs in Illinois
Group Leader jobs in Illinois are concentrated in manufacturing, social services, education, and healthcare, with demand at every level from entry-level team leads to senior program managers overseeing large-scale operations. Chicago, Rockford, and Aurora are among the most active hiring markets, anchored by major employers such as Abbott, Caterpillar, and Advocate Health. The most in-demand specialties include production group leaders in industrial settings, youth program leaders in community and nonprofit organizations, and clinical group leaders in integrated health systems. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. With more than 13,500 associates working globally in 100 countries and annual sales of $5.9 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
Purpose Statement
The Maintenance Group Leader is responsible for the safe maintenance, repair and efficiency of operation of all equipment and areas of responsibility when the responsible Supervisor is not on duty. Supervises all maintenance personnel and coordinates efforts to ensure all personnel are safely, effectively and correctly performing all daily maintenance activities to ensure maximum production quality and efficiency, while supporting the various policies, goals and objectives established by the Shift Supervisor.
Key Accountabilities and Outcomes
- Assigns all daily maintenance activities to assigned shift mechanics. Reprioritize and refocus maintenance team activities as situation requires with or without prior authorization from Supervisors.
- Supervises all activities of assigned maintenance mechanics and ensures production needs are being met during his shift.
- Supervises all shift mechanics duties and responsibilities required to implement Rich Products maintenance program based on best practices in the baking industry, with a strong emphasis on safety and interdepartmental coordination.
- Monitors the use and inventories of all spare parts and supplies needed for the proper maintenance and emergency repair. Ensure all parts are reorder to ensure inventories are maintained. Verifies and monitors the parts ordering conducted by the maintenance personnel during his shift. Authorized to make any purchases needed up to $750.00 with no supervisory approval.
- Assigns and verifies completion of all assigned equipment’s PM assignments to properly maintain the computerized maintenance management systems (Cams).
- Ensures accuracy of all completed assigned reports for tracking and performing PM’s, tracking spare parts consumption, maintenance performance monitoring and reporting for customer audits.
- Communicates regularly with all shift maintenance mechanics and production leads both individually and as a group to ensure good two way communication concerning maintenance issues on all equipment.
- Updates and maintains all service reports, event logs, operating, service and training manuals required by the maintenance department during his assigned shift.
- Ensures all assigned maintenance personnel are adhering to all policies regarding personal safety, food safety and following all operating procedures.
- Monitors conditions which all production equipment is set and allowed to run at to ensure maximum performance and reliability is maintained.
- Reviews the operation of all equipment and line conditions constantly, to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate problems, plan future repairs and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Carries out small projects assigned by the Supervisor that improve efficiencies, reduce operating cost or improves equipment reliability with or without assistance.
- Adhere to all guidelines, mandates and parameters set by Supervisors regarding overtime utilization, parts purchasing procedures, PM frequency and shift scheduling.
- Maintains a safe, healthy and comfortable work environment for all maintenance employees.
- Ensures all city, state, federal and local regulations pertaining to the maintenance personal and there activities are adhered to at all times.
- Supervises, distributes, completes and reviews all work orders pertaining to their assigned shift. Ensures all assigned work orders and supervisors instructions are carried out and all paperwork is completed and filled out correctly.
- Communicates directly with the production department leads to coordinate any maintenance activities.
- Responsible to respond, investigate and resolve all equipment related product contamination issues.
- Communicates with the QC department to ensure that their assigned mechanics are effectively participating in, adhering to and implementing all QA policies and procedures regarding food safety while any maintenance duties are performed.
- Communicates directly with the Sanitation department to ensure that their assigned mechanics are effectively participating in, adhering to and following sanitations procedures to ensure plant cleanliness while any maintenance duties are performed.
- Reports any incidents of harassment to his Supervisor or Human Resources Manager.
- Must be willing to comply with other duties, as assigned by upper management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- HS degree or GED
- 3 years of experience in a food-processing, pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing organization, preferably using computerized manufacturing equipment
- 5 years industrial mechanic experience. Prior work experience operating lift equipment and moving heavy equipment.
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of qualifications in a pharmaceutical or food manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, food allergens and pest control
- Demonstrated knowledge of efficient and safe manufacturing operations to include product and associate safety, OSHA standards, product quality (success rates), cost control (minimizing downtime and waste, optimizing yield)
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems
- Demonstrated mechanical and spatial aptitude, including the ability to disassemble and reassemble equipment
- Will be required to perform tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds, walking, standing, climbing, reaching, stooping, pulling, pushing, grasping, and balancing as part of production activities out on the floor.
- Will be required to see and hear well enough to understand associates questions and respond to their concerns.
- Will be required to work in freezers, near noisy machinery, near confined spaces as part of daily production activities.
- SAP / MLO - reading, arithmetic, Electrical Troubleshooting & Controls
- Must regularly perform preventative maintenance or repairs to equipment personally in cases were alternative means of resolving issues are not present.
- Must be available to be contacted by maintenance personnel and reasonably available to report to work in cases of emergency.
- Must be available to report issues that impact production immediately to supervisor or maintenance manager.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours.
COMPENSATION
In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.
Annual Range/Hourly Rate
$38.00 - $48.00
Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity, standing up for fairness and maintaining a culture of belonging, to provide an exceptional experience for all. We will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Associate Experience Network at hrhelp@rich.com if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.
BRINGING YOUR BEST SELF TO WORK.
As a family-owned company, caring for our associates—their whole selves—is a top priority. That’s why we provide benefits and tools to help our people balance the integration of work and life:
- Competitive compensation
- Health & financial benefits
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Family planning support
- Flexible work policy
- Associate resource groups
- Volunteering & community impact opportunities
- Holiday gatherings
- In-house taste tests (we are a food company after all)!
It’s all part of how we support our family of associates. Because in the company of family, all things are possible.
MEET RICH’S.
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. With over 13,500 associates working in 100 locations globally, and annual sales at $5.9 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. With more than 13,500 associates working globally in 100 countries and annual sales of $5.9 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
Purpose Statement
The Maintenance Group Leader is responsible for the safe maintenance, repair and efficiency of operation of all equipment and areas of responsibility when the responsible Supervisor is not on duty. Supervises all maintenance personnel and coordinates efforts to ensure all personnel are safely, effectively and correctly performing all daily maintenance activities to ensure maximum production quality and efficiency, while supporting the various policies, goals and objectives established by the Shift Supervisor.
Key Accountabilities and Outcomes
- Assigns all daily maintenance activities to assigned shift mechanics. Reprioritize and refocus maintenance team activities as situation requires with or without prior authorization from Supervisors.
- Supervises all activities of assigned maintenance mechanics and ensures production needs are being met during his shift.
- Supervises all shift mechanics duties and responsibilities required to implement Rich Products maintenance program based on best practices in the baking industry, with a strong emphasis on safety and interdepartmental coordination.
- Monitors the use and inventories of all spare parts and supplies needed for the proper maintenance and emergency repair. Ensure all parts are reorder to ensure inventories are maintained. Verifies and monitors the parts ordering conducted by the maintenance personnel during his shift. Authorized to make any purchases needed up to $750.00 with no supervisory approval.
- Assigns and verifies completion of all assigned equipment’s PM assignments to properly maintain the computerized maintenance management systems (Cams).
- Ensures accuracy of all completed assigned reports for tracking and performing PM’s, tracking spare parts consumption, maintenance performance monitoring and reporting for customer audits.
- Communicates regularly with all shift maintenance mechanics and production leads both individually and as a group to ensure good two way communication concerning maintenance issues on all equipment.
- Updates and maintains all service reports, event logs, operating, service and training manuals required by the maintenance department during his assigned shift.
- Ensures all assigned maintenance personnel are adhering to all policies regarding personal safety, food safety and following all operating procedures.
- Monitors conditions which all production equipment is set and allowed to run at to ensure maximum performance and reliability is maintained.
- Reviews the operation of all equipment and line conditions constantly, to minimize unplanned downtime, anticipate problems, plan future repairs and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Carries out small projects assigned by the Supervisor that improve efficiencies, reduce operating cost or improves equipment reliability with or without assistance.
- Adhere to all guidelines, mandates and parameters set by Supervisors regarding overtime utilization, parts purchasing procedures, PM frequency and shift scheduling.
- Maintains a safe, healthy and comfortable work environment for all maintenance employees.
- Ensures all city, state, federal and local regulations pertaining to the maintenance personal and there activities are adhered to at all times.
- Supervises, distributes, completes and reviews all work orders pertaining to their assigned shift. Ensures all assigned work orders and supervisors instructions are carried out and all paperwork is completed and filled out correctly.
- Communicates directly with the production department leads to coordinate any maintenance activities.
- Responsible to respond, investigate and resolve all equipment related product contamination issues.
- Communicates with the QC department to ensure that their assigned mechanics are effectively participating in, adhering to and implementing all QA policies and procedures regarding food safety while any maintenance duties are performed.
- Communicates directly with the Sanitation department to ensure that their assigned mechanics are effectively participating in, adhering to and following sanitations procedures to ensure plant cleanliness while any maintenance duties are performed.
- Reports any incidents of harassment to his Supervisor or Human Resources Manager.
- Must be willing to comply with other duties, as assigned by upper management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- HS degree or GED
- 3 years of experience in a food-processing, pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing organization, preferably using computerized manufacturing equipment
- 5 years industrial mechanic experience. Prior work experience operating lift equipment and moving heavy equipment.
- Demonstrated knowledge and application of qualifications in a pharmaceutical or food manufacturing environment
- Working knowledge of FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, food allergens and pest control
- Demonstrated knowledge of efficient and safe manufacturing operations to include product and associate safety, OSHA standards, product quality (success rates), cost control (minimizing downtime and waste, optimizing yield)
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems
- Demonstrated mechanical and spatial aptitude, including the ability to disassemble and reassemble equipment
- Will be required to perform tasks such as lifting up to 50 pounds, walking, standing, climbing, reaching, stooping, pulling, pushing, grasping, and balancing as part of production activities out on the floor.
- Will be required to see and hear well enough to understand associates questions and respond to their concerns.
- Will be required to work in freezers, near noisy machinery, near confined spaces as part of daily production activities.
- SAP / MLO - reading, arithmetic, Electrical Troubleshooting & Controls
- Must regularly perform preventative maintenance or repairs to equipment personally in cases were alternative means of resolving issues are not present.
- Must be available to be contacted by maintenance personnel and reasonably available to report to work in cases of emergency.
- Must be available to report issues that impact production immediately to supervisor or maintenance manager.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours.
COMPENSATION
In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.
Annual Range/Hourly Rate
$38.00 - $48.00
Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity, standing up for fairness and maintaining a culture of belonging, to provide an exceptional experience for all. We will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Associate Experience Network at hrhelp@rich.com if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.
BRINGING YOUR BEST SELF TO WORK.
As a family-owned company, caring for our associates—their whole selves—is a top priority. That’s why we provide benefits and tools to help our people balance the integration of work and life:
- Competitive compensation
- Health & financial benefits
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Family planning support
- Flexible work policy
- Associate resource groups
- Volunteering & community impact opportunities
- Holiday gatherings
- In-house taste tests (we are a food company after all)!
It’s all part of how we support our family of associates. Because in the company of family, all things are possible.
MEET RICH’S.
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. With over 13,500 associates working in 100 locations globally, and annual sales at $5.9 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
See All 26 Group Leader Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Group Leader JobsGroup Leader Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Group Leader Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in group leader jobs across Illinois.
- Minimum two years of supervisory or team leadership experience in a relevant Illinois industry setting
- Bachelor's degree in business, human services, education, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated ability to coach, evaluate, and develop direct reports in a team environment
- Proficiency with scheduling, performance tracking, and workforce management tools or software
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting to management and coordinating with cross-functional teams
- CPR or first aid certification preferred for group leader roles in healthcare or community services
Group Leader Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a group leader in Illinois?
The path to becoming a group leader in Illinois depends on the sector. In manufacturing and corporate environments, employers typically require a combination of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree, with no state license required. In human services or youth programs, Illinois employers often expect a credential aligned with the program type, such as a Child Development credential issued through the Illinois Department of Human Services. Building experience in a lead associate or senior technician role first is the most common entry point.
Which companies hire group leaders in Illinois?
Companies currently hiring group leaders in Illinois include OSI, Rivian, and YMCA, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's mix of large manufacturers, integrated health networks, and nonprofit social service agencies means group leader openings appear across a wide range of industries throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most group leader jobs?
Chicago, Normal, and West Chicago have the most group leader openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest share of listings given its concentration of corporate headquarters, major hospital systems, and nonprofit organizations, while suburban and secondary cities like Rockford and Aurora reflect strong manufacturing and distribution employer bases that consistently need frontline leaders.
Are there remote group leader jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're limited. Group leader roles are typically hands-on and tied to a physical team, production line, or program site, which makes fully remote work uncommon. About 0% of group leader openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with those exceptions most often appearing in education technology, training coordination, or administrative program management functions.
How can I get hired as a group leader in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving into a lead associate, senior technician, or program coordinator role at a large Illinois employer and building supervisory experience from there. Employers like Advocate Health, Caterpillar, and Illinois-based community service organizations run new-professional and development programs that place candidates into structured leadership tracks. Completing a relevant credential, such as an Illinois youth worker certification through the Department of Human Services, strengthens applications where formal supervisory experience is limited.
Where can I find and apply to group leader jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to group leader jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings to find roles that match your background, then apply directly to the ones that fit your experience and location.
See All 26 Group Leader Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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