Department Manager Starch/LNP

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: Cedar Rapids

Workplace type: On Site

As Department Manager, you will be responsible for providing leadership and technical solutions for Dry Starch operations and production planning for the entire facility. They are responsible for managing department personnel, process operations, and tasks to meet the Cedar Rapids Plant’s safety, quality, yield, cost, and customer delivery goals. They also serve on task forces, cross-functional teams, committees, etc., as required.

What you will do: 

• Manage the day-to-day activities of department supervision to produce products of sufficient quality and quantity to meet the projected needs of customers. Drive operations activities to meet Department KPI’s.
• Coordinating maintenance activities as a gatekeeper to meet the production, quality, safety, and environmental needs of the business.
• Promoting and administering Safety, Health, and Environmental programs to ensure workforce stability, eliminating losses attributable to personal injury or property damage, and complying with regulatory guidelines applicable to manufacturing processes and product characteristics.
• Analyze and monitor key efficiencies and parameters against design to assist Operations with troubleshooting and meeting costs, production goals, and other unit KPI’s.
• Identifying and driving execution of Continuous Improvement efforts in support of unit and site KPIs; including leading operations accountabilities for Ingredion Performance System.
• Assisting in the training and coaching of operations personnel in both process design and operational techniques established to maintain unit business objectives and to provide organizational strength and individual growth within the organization
• Monitoring process conditions and operational activities, taking corrective and preventive actions as needed to ensure operation of the process in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
• Analyzing processes, developing new operating techniques, and recommending changes to maintain or improve business efficiencies, facility lif,e and quality.
• Coordinating with Human Resources to manage the hourly workforce in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement and in line with Plant Rules.
• Supporting Performance management activities and site development efforts to enhance the capability and provide ongoing personal development for salaried staff.
• Institutionalizing an atmosphere that stresses operator accountability, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

What you will bring: 

• Bachelor's degree with experience in operations, including management of hourly workforce, or equivalent in education and experience.
• Supervisory experience preferred and experience managing salaried employees a plus. 
• Knowledge of company and regulatory rules, policies, and procedures in the areas of GMP, ISO, quality, and safety.
• Experience working preferably in the food or pharmaceutical ingredients or products. Knowledge of Corn Wet Milling Manufacturing operations, processes, and customer base a plus.
• Familiar with Continuous Improvement methodologies and Lean Six Sigma tools preferred.
• Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office Software applications (i.e., Excel, Word, etc.).

Who you are: 

• Ability to effectively handle a variety of assignments simultaneously and effectively with ambiguity.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to lead in a team environment, motivate, build consensus, and foster positive relationships with team members.
• Ability to evaluate personnel needs/effectiveness and implement effective development activities for salaried & associate reports.
• Ability to challenge traditional methods of accomplishing tasks or work activities; ability to identify and implement creative, innovative solutions, when appropriate.
• Ability to understand and integrate technical and business needs into all activities.
• Strong planning, organizing, and time management skills.
• Demonstrated a high degree of initiative; taking responsibility for personal actions, decisions, and results.

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-DR1 #LI-ONSITE

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.

Relocation Available:

Pay 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.