Fertilizer Packaging Plus is a trusted leader in fertilizer blending, private label packaging, and contract packaging solutions serving the agriculture, turf, and retail horticulture industries. Founded in 1962, the company has built a reputation for precision, reliability, and high-quality production for distributors, garden centers, and commercial agricultural suppliers across North America.
With more than 60 years of industry experience, Fertilizer Packaging Plus provides end-to-end solutions - from sourcing and custom fertilizer blending to bagging, liquid bottling, labeling, and logistics. Their operations support both small custom runs and large-scale industrial production, helping customers bring fertilizer and soil nutrition products to market efficiently and reliably.
As the company expands into a new production facility in Crystal Lake, Illinois, they are seeking an experienced Production Manager to help lead operations, build systems, and drive efficiency in a growing manufacturing environment.
Position Overview
The Production Manager will oversee daily operations at the Crystal Lake production facility, ensuring efficient manufacturing, packaging, quality control, and team performance. This role is responsible for managing production schedules, supervising plant personnel, maintaining safety and quality standards, and improving operational efficiency.
This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-moving manufacturing environment and enjoys building strong teams while optimizing plant operations.
What’s In It For You
- Competitive compensation package based on experience
- Opportunity to lead operations in a newly expanding facility
- Key leadership role in a growing company within the agricultural supply chain
- Ability to shape plant operations and implement process improvements
- Long-term growth potential within a stable, established industry
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily plant operations including fertilizer blending, bagging, liquid bottling, and packaging lines
- Manage production schedules to meet customer demand and shipment deadlines
- Supervise, train, and support production staff while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork
- Coordinate with purchasing, logistics, and sales teams to ensure smooth order fulfillment and on-time delivery
- Monitor production metrics and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and increase output
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and production best practices
- Ensure production meets strict quality standards and customer specifications
- Maintain safety protocols and ensure regulatory compliance related to fertilizer handling and manufacturing operations
- Support inventory management and product traceability throughout the production process
- Assist with the setup, organization, and operational ramp-up of the new Crystal Lake production facility
- Work with company leadership to implement scalable systems that support continued company growth
Qualifications
Required
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or production leadership
- Experience managing teams in a plant or production environment
- Strong understanding of production scheduling, quality control, and operational efficiency
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
Preferred
- Experience in fertilizer, agriculture inputs, chemicals, or bulk product into small packaging
- Familiarity with chemical formulations, blending, bagging, or liquid filling production lines
- Experience launching or scaling operations in a new facility
- Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement experience
