Job Title: Plant Manager
Location: Ohio, USA
Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
Reports to: Operations Director (or Senior Leadership)
Direct Reports: Approximately 150 staff members
Job Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Plant Manager to oversee all aspects of plant operations for a leading chemical manufacturing company in Ohio. The Plant Manager will be responsible for the overall performance of the facility, including production, safety, quality, personnel management, and budget management. This is a senior-level position with full P&L responsibility and direct oversight of a team of approximately 150 employees. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in chemical manufacturing operations, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize performance and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Staff Management:
- Lead, mentor, and develop a team of 150+ employees across multiple departments (production, maintenance, safety, quality control, etc.).
- Foster a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and high performance.
- Ensure effective staffing, training, and performance management to build a strong and skilled workforce.
- Oversee hiring, onboarding, and employee retention strategies.
Production Management:
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the plant, ensuring the production process runs smoothly, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards and safety regulations.
- Manage production schedules to meet customer demand, ensuring on-time delivery and minimal downtime.
- Drive continuous improvement in production processes, implementing lean manufacturing principles and identifying opportunities to optimize productivity and reduce costs.
P&L Responsibility:
- Manage the plant's P&L, including budget preparation, cost controls, and resource allocation to maximize profitability and operational efficiency.
- Analyze financial reports, monitor variances, and implement corrective actions to meet financial targets.
- Identify cost-saving initiatives while maintaining product quality and safety standards.
Safety and Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations related to environmental health, safety, and chemical manufacturing.
- Maintain a strong safety culture by leading regular safety audits, incident investigations, and promoting adherence to safety protocols.
- Drive initiatives to minimize environmental impact, optimize waste management, and ensure the plant operates in an environmentally responsible manner.
Quality Control:
- Oversee quality control processes to ensure the production of high-quality chemical products in accordance with industry standards and customer specifications.
- Address quality issues, customer complaints, and implement corrective actions when necessary.
- Work closely with the R&D team to ensure product improvements and innovations are integrated into production processes.
Continuous Improvement:
- Lead initiatives to improve plant efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall production performance.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to achieve operational excellence.
- Develop and execute strategies to improve employee engagement and productivity.
Communication & Reporting:
- Provide regular updates to senior management on plant performance, including production metrics, budget performance, safety statistics, and employee matters.
- Foster open communication channels between departments to ensure cross-functional alignment and issue resolution.
- Prepare reports and data for analysis of operational performance and strategic decision-making.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field. A Master's degree or MBA is a plus.
Experience:
- 7+ years of experience in plant management or operations management, with at least 3 years in a senior management role.
- Proven track record in chemical manufacturing or a related industrial sector.
- Experience managing a large workforce (150+ employees) and overseeing multi-departmental operations.
- Strong P&L management experience with a focus on cost optimization, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
Skills:
- Excellent leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop teams.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality control, and safety regulations.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with all levels of the organization.
Certifications (preferred but not required):
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
- OSHA certification or other safety-related certifications
- PMP or other project management certifications (a plus)
Working Conditions:
- Full-time position with a competitive salary and benefits package.
- This role requires the flexibility to work in a plant environment, including walking the production floor and overseeing day-to-day operations.
- Occasional travel may be required for plant audits, vendor meetings, and corporate strategy sessions.