Department Manager

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: Bedford park (Argo), IL

Workplace type: Onsite

Ingredion is seeking a results-driven Department Manager to lead manufacturing operations and drive safety, quality, productivity, and cost performance. In this role, you will build and develop high-performing frontline teams while ensuring operational excellence and continuous improvement across daily production activities.

As a Department Manager, you will lead plant operations to deliver safe, high-quality production at the required volume while meeting business objectives for safety, quality, capacity, and cost. You will drive operational execution, develop team capabilities, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure reliable and efficient manufacturing performance.

This role reports to the Unit Manager and leads a team of frontline production employees and supervisors.

What you will do:

·  Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient production that meets volume, quality, and customer requirements.

·  Build, coach, and develop a high-performing frontline team through effective hiring, training, performance management, and employee engagement practices.

·  Drive operational excellence by utilizing KPI management, visual management systems, standard work, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve productivity and reliability.

·  Analyze operational data to identify downtime, waste, and performance improvement opportunities, translating insights into actionable solutions.

·  Manage controllable costs including labor, overtime, waste, utilities, and supplies while supporting inventory accuracy and production planning objectives.

·  Partner with Maintenance, Human Resources, Quality, Supply Chain, union leadership, auditors, and site leadership to resolve operational challenges and achieve plant goals.

·  Lead problem-solving initiatives, corrective actions, and change management efforts while ensuring sustained results through training, verification, and accountability.

What you will bring:

·  Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field (Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial Engineering preferred) or equivalent technical manufacturing experience.

·  Experience leading manufacturing, production, or operations teams in a plant environment.

·  Strong knowledge of operational excellence, continuous improvement methodologies, root cause analysis, and performance management systems.

·  Experience utilizing production and financial data to make informed business decisions and drive operational results.

·  Demonstrated ability to manage employee relations, workforce planning, and cross-functional collaboration in a manufacturing setting.

Who you are:

·  A strong operational leader who balances safety, quality, service, and cost while making sound business decisions.

·  A collaborative partner who effectively communicates, influences stakeholders, and aligns teams around shared goals.

·  A people-focused coach who develops talent, promotes accountability, and fosters an inclusive and high-performing team culture.

·  A proactive problem solver who uses data and structured methodologies to identify root causes and implement sustainable solutions.

·  A change champion who communicates vision clearly, adapts to evolving business needs, and drives continuous improvement across the organization.

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

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We 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.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available:

Yes, Within Country

Pay Range:

$102,100.00-$136,166.67 Annual

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.