Job Description
Job Description
Title: Packaging Manager
Location: Niles, IL
Overview:Sterling has helped build careers for thousands for professionals like yourself. Our expert recruiters support you at every step in the process and as a Best of Staffing company, Sterling provides exciting work with exceptional employers across the U.S.
Hire Type: Direct HireBenefits: Medical, Dental, VisionBonus/ Incentives/ Stock Options: 401k matching Pay: $110k-130k
Job Summary:
- Seeking a hands-on and experienced Packaging Manager to oversee packaging operations in a high-volume food manufacturing environment. This role will lead all packaging functions including equipment performance, team development, and process optimization. The Packaging Manager will be accountable for safety compliance, food quality standards, labor/material efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Job Duties:
- Lead day-to-day packaging operations across vertical and horizontal form-fill-seal systems, zipper pouch machines, and bulk case packaging lines.
- Drive continuous improvement efforts with a focus on reducing waste, downtime, and material variances while enhancing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
- Develop and implement lean manufacturing initiatives including 5S, root cause analysis, and Kaizen events.
- Build and maintain an empowered, accountable team through clear role definition, training, coaching, and performance management.
- Monitor labor and material cost variances and take corrective actions to align with financial targets.
- Oversee scheduling, staffing, and training for both direct and indirect packaging personnel in a 24/7 operation.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, R&D, Planning, and HR to achieve production goals.
- Ensure compliance with all safety, GMP, food safety, allergen, and regulatory training requirements.
- Maintain accurate SOPs, SSOPs, work instructions, and ensure team adherence to established procedures.
Qualifications:
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food or CPG manufacturing, with deep knowledge of packaging systems.
- Strong understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
- Demonstrated ability to manage labor, overhead, and material cost performance against budget.
- Effective communicator with strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and ERP/MRP systems.
- Skilled at coaching and developing supervisors and frontline team members.
- Ability to evaluate processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement corrective actions.
- Engineering degree preferred; Green Belt certification is a plus.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.