Line Leader, Manufacturing

Mondelez International · Chicago, IL

Posted Aug 20, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Walk me through a time you led a line team through an IL6S or TPM implementation. What changed on the floor because of you?

whether the candidate has actually driven lean transformation versus just being present for one

Describe a situation where you had to influence a decision on the floor in a union environment where you didn't have direct authority.

real experience navigating labor relations and getting buy-in without formal power

Tell me about a difficult conversation you had to have with an operator or shift team about performance or conduct. How did you handle it?

tact and directness in handling personnel issues, since the posting flags 'handling challenging interpersonal situations'

Tell me about a time you had to hit a cost or productivity target that put you at odds with a safety or quality standard. What did you do?

whether safety and quality are genuinely non-negotiable for them under pressure

Tell me about a cross-functional project where you needed engineering, quality, and operations to agree on something. How did you get there?

ability to partner across functions outside the plant, as the posting requires

Technical

Tell me about the SQCDSM metrics on a line you ran. Which one was hardest to hit and how did you close the gap?

fluency with the specific KPI framework and whether they can speak concretely about ownership, not just recite the acronym

What does basic equipment condition actually mean to you, and how do you verify a line is holding it without just trusting a checklist?

depth of hands-on maintenance knowledge versus buzzword familiarity with AM/PM

How would you build a governance rhythm for reviewing performance and driving continuous improvement on your lines? What does the cadence look like?

whether they can design a management system, not just execute someone else's

Give me an example of a root cause problem you solved using a Six Sigma tool, not just intuition. What was the tool and what did it show you that you didn't already know?

actual application of Six Sigma methodology versus name-dropping it

Situational

Say a line is behind on autonomous maintenance Step 4 and progressive maintenance Step 3 certification with an audit coming up. What do you do first?

whether they know the AM/PM step requirements well enough to triage rather than panic

A quality deviation shows up mid-shift that could affect product release. Walk me through exactly what you do in the first thirty minutes.

whether food safety and GMP compliance instincts are automatic, not something they have to think through

Two of your line leaders are close to leaving and you're already short on skilled talent. How do you approach retention and development on a tight timeline?

seriousness about talent pipeline building, called out explicitly in the posting

If corporate rolled out a new operational standard tomorrow that your team saw as a step backward, how would you handle communicating and implementing it anyway?

whether they can hold the line on compliance and governance even when it's unpopular

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The full job description

As published by Mondelez International.

Job Description Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International? Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It With Pride. You will lead the production operations in the Plant and delivering key performance targets (SQCDSM) in safety, quality, productivity, volumes, cost, sustainability, organizational morale. You will ensure our manufacturing strategy is implemented and is fully effective and you will strive to build a high performing organization. How you will contribute You will: • Manages change/ transformation change/ transformation amongst the Operating teams in the implementation of IL6S-Integrated Lean 6 sigma phase journey, FoF-Factory of Future Line centric organization & roles (AM-Autonomous Maintenance, PM-Progressive Maintenance and an integrated 6 star model within operating Line teams) to progress into Self sufficient teams. Role models Values and principles through effective coaching, mentoring and development of the team. • Support the Manufacturing annual operational plans and targets to meet Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Sustainability, Engagement goals in line with the site Compelling business need. coach Line Leaders, cascade & communicate the plans and targets to employees to ensure alignment and understanding around priorities, focus and KPI’s. • Lead and be Accountable to establish a strong Governance to Review, Control Operational performance and Continuous Improvement plan and embed a zero loss mindset to constantly improve and deliver against best in class both internally and externally. Drive the Operating team to identify and manage improvements to technology, culture, capability and operating systems to deliver a best practice and reliable operation. • Support all Manufacturing standards, Governance, Compliance requirements (e.g. Corporate Quality, Food safety & GMP, Health, Safety, Security, Environment, Sustainability, Code of conduct, Policies & principles, Operational standards, Local legal requirements, Internal Audit norms, & other procedures updated from time to time) are in place, understood by all, and is regularly reviewed and monitored for effective implementation. • Lead and be Accountable for Talent, Capabilities & Engagement for the Manufacturing team - identify and implement critical levers to attract, retain & develop critical talent and builds capability at all levels, technical and behavioral, to build a sustainable workforce profile for the future. Partner effectively with all multi-functional peers internally & externally (outside the plant) to achieve objectives, goals and KPI’s. What you will bring A desire to drive your future and accelerate your career and the following experience and knowledge: • Strong operational & manufacturing leadership experience in CPG industry with experience in TPM-Total productive maintenance, 5s, LEAN, 6 sigma tools and concepts • Excellent communication (verbal & written), coaching, and leadership skills in a team-based environment. Demonstrated abilities in Analytics, problem solving and team building • An Engineer with a strong financial & business acumen, project management skills and Knowledge of industrial maintenance and manufacturing equipment. A desire to drive your future and accelerate your career. You will bring experience and knowledge in: • Autonomous maintenance (AM) Step 4 systems and progressive maintenance (PM) Step 3 systems • Maintaining equipment at basic conditions independently, including the execution of AM & PM (break-down maintenance, planned maintenance) standards on dedicated equipment • Total productive maintenance and Six Sigma including qualification of AM steps 5-6, and PM step 3 • Leading line teams • Handling challenging interpersonal situations tactfully • Influencing people in a union environment • Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and a good attention to detail This position is 100% on-site in our Chicago Bakery, 7300 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago IL 60629. Salary and Benefits: The base salary range for this position is $109,000 to $149,875; the exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education and location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results.

In addition, Mondelez International offers the following benefits: health insurance, wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education related programs, paid holidays and vacation time. Some of these benefits have eligibility requirements. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company. No Relocation support available Business Unit Summary The United States is the largest market in the Mondelēz International family with a significant employee and manufacturing footprint. Here, we produce our well-loved household favorites to provide our consumers with the right snack, at the right moment, made the right way. We have corporate offices, sales, manufacturing and distribution locations throughout the U.S. to ensure our iconic brands—including Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies, Ritz, Wheat Thins and Triscuit crackers, and Swedish Fish and Sour Patch Kids confectionery products —are close at hand for our consumers across the country. Mondelēz Global LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process may contact 847-943-5460 for assistance. For more information about your Federal rights, please see eeopost.pdf ; EEO is the Law Poster Supplement ; Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision ; Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal Job Type Regular Manufacturing support Manufacturing

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Line Leader, Manufacturing

Likely interview questions for this role

Practice this interview out loud.

The full job description

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