About Us:

Carl Buddig and Company, a respected name in the meat manufacturing industry, boasts a legacy of over 80 years. Founded as a family-owned company, we have evolved into a leading producer of premium meat products, including renowned lunchmeats, ready-to-eat cooked meats under our Kingsford, LLC division, and savory snack meats from Old Wisconsin.

As a third-generation family business, our success is anchored in our commitment to quality, innovation, and community. With a workforce of 2,500 dedicated team members spread across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana, we continue to expand, driven by a vision for excellence and a responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences.

At Carl Buddig and Company, we foster a culture centered around teamwork and innovation. We strive to create an environment that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring every team member is empowered to contribute to our collective goals.

Our dedication extends beyond our business operations. We actively support charitable initiatives and community organizations through direct contributions, volunteer work, and partnerships. We aim to make a positive impact and give back to the communities that have supported us over the years.

Join us at Carl Buddig and Company, where tradition meets innovation, and where our passion for quality meat products is matched by our commitment to our people and communities.

Position Summary:

The Production Manager will lead multiple departments within the facility with a shared goal of producing the high-quality food that is delicious and wholesome. This role is responsible for ensuring consistent, on-schedule production with no defects while maintaining a safe work environment for all employees. The Production Manager oversees all areas of Manufacturing and directs daily operations to ensure approved products are produced on schedule, meet quality standards, and remain within established cost objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist staff members and supervisors in the development and implementation of long and short-range planning, policies, programs and objectives.
• Maintaining high standards of manufacturing operations to ensure that products meet established customer and company quality standards
• Optimize staffing levels, overhead, and raw material usage costs to meet annual budget and production goals.
• Recommend manufacturing policies and programs that support continuous improvement, competitiveness, and operational profitability.
• Continuously evaluate production processes and methods; recommend improvements to equipment, performance, workforce utilization, and product quality
• Serve as a technical resource to resolve operational issues; analyze work problems and assist employees in identifying effective solutions.
• Direct and monitor department supervisors to achieve manufacturing plan objectives in alignment with established safety and production procedure
• Act as a liaison between management, supervisors, and staff to ensure effective communication of policies, decisions, and performance expectations.
• Train, develop, and evaluate staff; take corrective action as needed in accordance with company policy and in consultation with Human Resources.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Identify, recommend, and implement productivity improvements to reduce costs, scrap, and rework; monitor scrap and rework data.
• Establish, implement, and maintain production standards.
• Support manufacturing programs including training, safety, housekeeping, cost reduction, employee engagement, and security initiatives.
• Coordinate major projects such as plant layout changes, capital equipment installation, and major facility repairs.
• Maintain professional and constructive working relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Stay current on industry trends, technology, and regulatory requirements to drive innovation and compliance.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.
• Take responsibility for producing safe, high-quality food products within assigned areas.
• Report all food safety concerns to a supervisor, manager, or the Quality Assurance department to ensure immediate corrective action.
• Other responsibilities as assigned
• As Production Manager, you will be expected to exercise strong leadership judgment in day-to-day operations, ensuring consistent practices across the company and that production runs as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

Education & Experience:

• Minimum 3-5 years management experience.
• Knowledgeable about OSHA and USDA regulations, lean manufacturing, process optimization, cost management.
• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency with high attention to accuracy and detail.
• Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with employees at all levels of the organization.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.
• Proven ability to work productively and collaboratively as part of a team

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a fast-paced production environment, often involving repetitive tasks.
• This position requires time spent both in an office setting and on the production floor.
• Must be able to work in cold temperatures, typically 40 degrees or lower.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, and turning required. § Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 60 pounds safely.
• Exposure to noise, equipment, and moving machinery; adherence to safety protocols is required.
• Must be able to stand for up to 10 hours per day.
• Team-oriented environment requiring effective communication and coordination with coworkers.

Pay range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000.00, depending on experience.

Benefits for this role include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, FSA, HSA, 401(k) Plan with Company Match, Vacation & PTO, and Tuition Reimbursement. There is also a potential for a discretionary bonus this bonus is based on personal & company performance and is not a guaranteed bonus plan.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions Statement

Carl Buddig and Company does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make any employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, performance evaluations, discipline, or termination. All employment decisions are made by trained HR professionals and company leaders to ensure fairness, consistency, and compliance with the Illinois Human Rights Act.