HESQ Operations Leader, Chemical Plant

The HESQ Operations Manager reports administratively to the Mobile (MOBL) Plant Manager and functionally to the Coating Solutions Platform (CSP) Global HES Director. This role provides strong and inclusive leadership, clear strategic direction, and operational oversight for all Environmental, Health, Safety, and Quality (HESQ) programs at the site. The position leads a multidisciplinary team of 13 employees, including Safety Specialists, the Lead Environmental Engineer and Wastewater Treatment Operators, as well as the Quality Lab Supervisor and laboratory staff.. The HESQ Operations Manager is accountable for maintaining high standards in Environmental Compliance, Occupational Safety and Health, Process Safety Management, Product Quality Systems, Physical Security, and Wastewater Treatment (WWT) operations. Responsibilities include ensuring regulatory compliance, aligning with permit expectations, completing PHAs, MOCs, and RCIs on schedule, and maintaining strong alignment with the Quality Lab Supervisor to reinforce quality systems, technical rigor, and customer expectations. The position is located in a chemical manufacturing facility with all the inherent risks. Travel is minimal witih Maintain HESQ Compliance and Lead Critical Risk Programs Ensure the MOBL site maintains full compliance with all Health, Environmental, Safety, and Quality requirements using proactive, preventionfocused risk management principles. Ensure all incidents are promptly reported, investigated, and supported by effective corrective and preventive actions that reduce recurrence. Encourage open communication so employees feel comfortable raising concerns and contributing to safe operations. Lead PHAs, MOCs, RCIs, AIMs, and related programs to ensure regulatory and corporate expectations are met consistently and on schedule. Oversee the Emergency Response Plan, serve as Emergency Director, and conduct drills that prepare employees and contractors to respond safely and confidently. Manage Industrial Hygiene and medical surveillance programs to support the health and wellbeing of employees, ensuring transparent communication and engagement so team members understand program expectations and benefits. Manage plant security interfacing with contract security. Provide guidance and ensure policy adherence Lead Environmental Compliance and Wastewater Treatment Operations Ensure the site maintains full compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental permits, including accurate and timely submission of required regulatory reports. Provide clear communication to the team regarding compliance expectations, changes in regulatory requirements, and upcoming deadlines. Offer guidance on evolving environmental regulations and support programs that enhance longterm site performance. Work collaboratively with internal and corporate partners to align on environmental priorities, strengthen operational practices, and support continuous improvement. Provide leadership to the Lead Environmental Engineer and oversee the safe, compliant operation of the wastewater treatment systems. This includes validating staffing levels, supporting training and onboarding, confirming proper documentation practices, and ensuring that corrective actions are implemented and tracked effectively. Support wastewater treatment personnel by promoting a cooperative and engaged work environment, ensuring team members understand their responsibilities, have access to necessary resources, and are encouraged to contribute ideas that improve safety, compliance, and operational reliability. Maintain constructive and professional relationships with regulatory agencies, proactively preparing the site for inspections, audits, and regulatory interactions. Communicate transparently with internal and external stakeholders to support compliance status, environmental reporting, and overall environmental stewardship efforts. Reinforce a team culture that values accountability, technical excellence, and respect for diverse perspectives, helping employees feel connected to the site's environmental mission and confident in their role in supporting it. Drive Continuous HESQ Improvement and Operational Excellence Partner with leadership to establish strategic HESQ goals, develop sitewide action plans, and drive continuous improvement aligned with regulatory expectations and corporate values. Promote a culture where employees feel encouraged to identify risks, raise concerns, and suggest improvements. Engage routinely with teams to reinforce participation in safety, environmental, and quality efforts. Conduct routine field audits across operations, maintenance, labs, and offices to promote accountability and reinforce an inclusive safety culture. Create and oversee the site's Contractor Safety Management program, ensuring all contractors receive clear expectations, equitable treatment, and safe working conditions. Engage in HES networks to share leassons learned and integrate global best praactices Oversee Laboratory Operations and Quality Systems Partner with the Quality Lab Supervisor to ensure laboratory operations comply with all procedures, customer requirements, and regulatory standards. Support equitable skills development for Laboratory Technicians and the Analytical Technician. (Updated reporting structure) Review and approve qualityrelated procedures and ensure product and customer specifications are current, accurate, and wellcommunicated. Lead the handling of offspec products, ensuring proper documentation, segregation, communication, and root cause analysis. Maintain SAP Quality Module functionality and support qualification of new and alternate raw materials. Participate in ISCC+ and ISO certification audits, ensuring transparency, integrity, and inclusive engagement across lab and operations teams. Support laboratory personnel by promoting a work environment that values teamwork, reliability, and continuous learning. Encourage open communication, recognition of strong performance, and engagement in problemsolving to help employees feel connected to quality outcomes and confident in their contributions. Manage HESQ Budget and Cost Structure Develop and manage the HESQ budget, ensuring resources are allocated responsibly across safety, environmental, WWT, and quality functions. Identify costefficiency opportunities while maintaining compliance, operational reliability, and longterm sustainability needs. Ensure funding supports regulatory requirements, safety equipment, laboratory operations, and wastewater treatment upgrades. Support capital projects by integrating HESQ considerations early and helping teams understand financial impacts. Communicate openly with teams and stakeholders about budget priorities, emerging needs, and resource decisions. Lead and Develop a HighPerforming, Inclusive Team Provide inclusive leadership for direct and indirect reports across Safety, Environmental, WWT, and Quality functions, ensuring equitable access to development, coaching, and performance feedback. Conduct performance reviews and goalsetting sessions grounded in respect, transparency, and growth. Foster a culture of collaboration, psychological safety, and mutual respect that encourages all individuals to contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. Maintain close visibility in field, lab, and operations areas to build trust and support team engagement. Serve as backup to the Plant Manager when required, including emergency coordination and approvals of purchase requisitions, variances, and regulatory reports. The successful candidate will have:: A minimum of 5 years of experience, 10 preferred, in a petrochemical or chemical manufacturing environment A minimum of 5 years of plant operations experience Advanced degree or specialized training in HESQ related filds is beneficial Successful completion of OSHA #511 Demonstrated epeience across Environmental, Health, Safety, Quality and Process Safety functionw, including familiarity with Alabaman environmental regulation Proven experinece leading diverse teams working across functions Demonstrated leadership and ability to build,engage, and develop high-performing teams Strong communications skills Strong problem-solving and analytical skills Comfortable influencing without authority and ability to foster a culture of accountability. #J-18808-Ljbffr