Refinery Unit 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, IL (Argo Plant)

Workplace type: On Site

As Unit Manager, you will lead a high-performing team to safely and efficiently execute operational strategies that align with site and divisional goals, driving excellence in safety, quality, cost, and sustainability. Reporting to the Sr. Manager of the Wet Mill, Starch, and Oil Division, you will oversee a team of 35 and play a critical role in optimizing performance, fostering continuous improvement, and ensuring long-term asset protection.

What you will do: 

• Lead EHS compliance and performance by ensuring environmental reporting, incident investigations using RCA, and development of annual safety objectives aligned with site initiatives.
• Oversee unit operations and personnel to reliably execute production plans, monitor output, and communicate deviations to site leadership.
• Drive performance against key KPIs including Safety, Quality, Cost, Production, Energy Conservation, and Sustainability.
• Evaluate and recommend capital projects and process improvements to enhance efficiency, facility longevity, and product performance.
• Prioritize and optimize maintenance activities, fostering a culture of ownership and reliability within the unit.
• Maximize raw material utilization to meet internal and external customer demands with high-quality, high-volume output.
• Champion continuous improvement and cost control, aligning unit efforts with plant financial goals and long-term asset protection.

What you will bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree and substantial operations experience, including management of an hourly workforce, or equivalent education and experience.
• Supervisory experience required, with a strong track record of team leadership and performance management.
• Industry experience preferred in food, pharmaceutical ingredients, or related products, with knowledge of GMP, quality, and safety regulations.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word, with strong computer literacy.

Who you are: 

• Comprehensive understanding of manufacturing operations and customer needs, with the ability to align processes accordingly.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration, motivation, and positive relationships across teams and with customers.
• Talent development expertise, with the ability to assess team effectiveness and implement impactful growth strategies for both salaried and hourly staff.
• Innovative problem-solving mindset, capable of challenging traditional approaches and implementing creative, effective solutions.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, lead meetings, and deliver clear, concise presentations.

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

Pay Range:

$123,500.00-$164,700.00 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.

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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:

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.