Department Manager

Ingredion

  • Bedford Park, IL
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 24 days ago
About Ingredion: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 SiteThis is an exciting opportunity to lead a critical department within a dynamic manufacturing environment, where your leadership and technical expertise will directly impact safety, quality, and operational excellence. As Department Manager, you’ll guide a team of operators, drive continuous improvement, and collaborate across functions to shape the future of plant performance. With the chance to influence strategic initiatives, implement innovative solutions, and develop talent, this role offers both challenge and reward for a results-driven leader passionate about making a meaningful difference.As a Department Manager, you will provide leadership and technical solutions to the department's operations. This role will manage the department process operations and tasks to meet the plant’s safety, quality, yield, cost, and customer delivery goals. Serve on task forces, cross-functional teams, committees, etc. as required.What you will do:
  • Oversee Daily Operations: Supervise operators to ensure production meets quality and quantity targets aligned with customer needs and unit KPIs.
  • Coordinate Maintenance: Act as a gatekeeper for maintenance activities to support production, safety, quality, and environmental goals.
  • Promote Safety & Compliance: Lead Safety, Health, and Environmental programs to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize risks of injury or damage.
  • Monitor & Analyze Performance: Maintain historical data to track efficiencies, troubleshoot issues, and support cost and production goals.
  • Train & Develop Staff: Support training and coaching of operations personnel to enhance skills, meet business objectives, and foster growth.
  • Optimize Processes: Monitor and improve operational efficiency through process analysis, corrective actions, and recommendations for improvements or investments.
What you will bring:
  • Strong Leadership Under Pressure: Proven ability to manage manufacturing operations effectively, even in high-stress or crisis situations.
  • Inspirational People Leader: Skilled in motivating teams, fostering collaboration, and building strong interpersonal relationships.
  • Talent Development Focus: Experienced in assessing team needs and implementing impactful development plans for both salaried and hourly staff.
  • Innovative Problem Solver: Adept at rethinking traditional approaches and applying creative, effective solutions to operational challenges.
  • Strategic and Organized: Excellent at integrating technical and business priorities with strong planning, organizational, and time management skills.
Who you are:
  • Educational & Technical Background: Bachelor’s degree in an engineering-related field (Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial preferred) or equivalent technical experience.
  • Industry & Regulatory Experience: Background in food or pharmaceutical manufacturing with knowledge of GMP, quality, and safety regulations; familiarity with Lean Six Sigma tools (Green Belt preferred).
  • Leadership & Supervisory Skills: Supervisory experience preferred, with the ability to lead teams and implement process improvements effectively.
Why Join Ingredion?Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:
  • 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
#LI-JS1
#LI-ONSITEWe are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.Relocation Available: Yes, Within CountryPay Range:This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).Incentive Compensation:As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.Benefits:Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.

Ingredion