Plant Manager Jobs in Illinois
Plant Manager jobs in Illinois are in strong demand, concentrated in food and beverage processing, chemical manufacturing, metal fabrication, and packaging, with openings at every level from shift supervisor stepping up to experienced operations leader. Chicago, Rockford, and the Quad Cities metro anchor the most active hiring, where large employers like Caterpillar, Archer Daniels Midland, and Kraft Heinz maintain significant manufacturing footprints. The most sought-after specialties are lean manufacturing, continuous improvement leadership, and multi-shift production management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 61+ Plant Manager jobs
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 Plant Manager's responsibility is to provide leadership to all departments for overall vision and direction of the plant by way of guidance, direction, encouragement, training and development. Also developing and coaching managers and supervisors to excel to the peak of their performance levels. In addition to directing all managerial personnel to manage their departments and functional areas to meet the manufacturing plant’s operational and financial objectives while supporting the values, mission, vision, and priorities of Rich Products Corporation.
Key Accountabilities and Outcomes
- Full responsibility for the complete operation of the manufacturing facility.
- Ensures safe, efficient operation of the plant within the guidelines established by Rich Products and all governmental laws and regulations to include all food safety programs and auditing processes.
- Monitors production, inventory, safety, human resources, quality assurance, maintenance and sanitation programs.
- Plans capital projects, long range strategic planning, and succession planning.
- Promotes Lean Manufacturing concepts and leads the plant with Rich Products vision; is open to, and promotes change to continually improve and enhance the facility and workforce to stay ahead of the competition.
- Ensures ethical behavior in all aspects of managing the facility and its material and human resources.
- Responsibility for manufacturing facility’s Capital and operating budgets.
- Responsible for associate and leadership development, developing team skills, and creating a culture of engagement and continuous improvement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Bachelors Degree in Business Management, Food Science, Engineering, Science or similar academic disciplines.
- 5-10 Years Experience at the Plant Management Position and 5-10 years in a supervisory and or management position with progressively more responsible positions.
- Knowledge of Food Safety, Associate Safety Programs/Systems HAACP, GMPs etc. Sanitation and Plant Maintenance and Continuous Improvement such as Lean Manufacturing and Total Productive Manufacturinng (TPM) would be definite assets.
- A Master’s in Business Administration is preferred but not required.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills and cultural sensitivity required. Foreign Language skills as it relates to the facility’s demographics are a plus.
- Ability to manage a diverse staff of managerial personnel.
- Experience with self-directed teams/skill-based pay.
#OPS123
#LI-LE1
#Womenmfg
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
$162,450.00 - $270,750.00
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 Plant Manager's responsibility is to provide leadership to all departments for overall vision and direction of the plant by way of guidance, direction, encouragement, training and development. Also developing and coaching managers and supervisors to excel to the peak of their performance levels. In addition to directing all managerial personnel to manage their departments and functional areas to meet the manufacturing plant’s operational and financial objectives while supporting the values, mission, vision, and priorities of Rich Products Corporation.
Key Accountabilities and Outcomes
- Full responsibility for the complete operation of the manufacturing facility.
- Ensures safe, efficient operation of the plant within the guidelines established by Rich Products and all governmental laws and regulations to include all food safety programs and auditing processes.
- Monitors production, inventory, safety, human resources, quality assurance, maintenance and sanitation programs.
- Plans capital projects, long range strategic planning, and succession planning.
- Promotes Lean Manufacturing concepts and leads the plant with Rich Products vision; is open to, and promotes change to continually improve and enhance the facility and workforce to stay ahead of the competition.
- Ensures ethical behavior in all aspects of managing the facility and its material and human resources.
- Responsibility for manufacturing facility’s Capital and operating budgets.
- Responsible for associate and leadership development, developing team skills, and creating a culture of engagement and continuous improvement.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Bachelors Degree in Business Management, Food Science, Engineering, Science or similar academic disciplines.
- 5-10 Years Experience at the Plant Management Position and 5-10 years in a supervisory and or management position with progressively more responsible positions.
- Knowledge of Food Safety, Associate Safety Programs/Systems HAACP, GMPs etc. Sanitation and Plant Maintenance and Continuous Improvement such as Lean Manufacturing and Total Productive Manufacturinng (TPM) would be definite assets.
- A Master’s in Business Administration is preferred but not required.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills and cultural sensitivity required. Foreign Language skills as it relates to the facility’s demographics are a plus.
- Ability to manage a diverse staff of managerial personnel.
- Experience with self-directed teams/skill-based pay.
#OPS123
#LI-LE1
#Womenmfg
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
$162,450.00 - $270,750.00
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 61 Plant Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Plant Manager JobsPlant Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Plant Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Waste Management & Environmental Services
- Chemicals & Materials
- Staffing & Recruiting
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in plant manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or a related technical field
- Five or more years of manufacturing or production supervision experience
- Demonstrated experience leading lean manufacturing or Six Sigma process improvement initiatives
- Proficiency managing multi-shift operations in a union or non-union Illinois facility
- Familiarity with OSHA safety regulations and Illinois workplace compliance standards
- Strong track of P&L accountability and cross-functional team leadership in a plant environment
Plant Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a plant manager in Illinois?
Most plant managers in Illinois reach the role by combining a technical or operations degree with progressive manufacturing experience, typically starting in supervisor, engineer, or production lead roles. Illinois does not require a state-issued license specific to plant management. Employers commonly look for candidates with a background in engineering or supply chain and demonstrated leadership through roles such as production supervisor, operations manager, or continuous improvement lead at Illinois manufacturing facilities.
How much do plant managers make in Illinois?
Plant managers in Illinois earn a median of about $127,270 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $82,900 for the lowest 10% to over $205,310 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire plant managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring plant managers in Illinois right now include Xylem, IPG, and CNH Industrial, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's deep manufacturing base in food processing, chemicals, and industrial equipment means demand is spread across both large multinationals and established regional producers throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most plant manager jobs?
Chicago, Aurora, and Rockford have the most plant manager openings in Illinois. Chicago and its suburbs drive volume through the region's dense concentration of food manufacturing, packaging, and distribution operations, while Rockford's long history in aerospace components and fastener manufacturing sustains steady demand, and the Quad Cities area reflects the heavy industrial and agricultural equipment presence anchored by major employers in that corridor.
Are there remote plant manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Plant management is fundamentally an on-site role requiring direct oversight of production lines, equipment, and personnel, so most positions require a daily physical presence. About 0% of plant manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to involve corporate-level multi-site oversight or project-based continuous improvement work rather than hands-on floor management.
How can I get hired as a plant manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is landing a production supervisor or shift lead role at an Illinois manufacturer and building from there. Large Illinois food and beverage producers and industrial manufacturers regularly hire into associate operations or manufacturing leadership development programs for candidates with a relevant degree. Earning a lean manufacturing certificate or completing a Six Sigma Green Belt credential strengthens an entry-level application considerably and is recognized by Illinois employers across sectors.
Where can I find and apply to plant manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to plant manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 61 Plant Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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