Plant Operations Manager

About the job

Pacific International has been exclusively retained by a specialty chemical manufacturer in their search for an Operations Manager.

The company is seeking a hands-on leader to oversee all production operations at one of their top revenue-producing facilities. The site has a history of strong performance, and they are looking for a leader that can continue to drive excellence and help strengthen teams and future leaders.

The Operations Manager will be the central leader responsible for driving safe, efficient, and cost-effective performance. They will oversee all manufacturing activities, directly supervise the production supervisors, and ensure the site consistently meets output, customer demand, and the regulatory, environmental, and quality standards required in chemical processing. They will act as the coordinating hub across production, EHS, maintenance, engineering, quality, and supply chain to keep operations running smoothly and without interruption. This leader will bring hands-on operational oversight and strong process understanding to maintain consistent product quality while supporting long-term growth, continuous improvement, and technical innovation. They will also work closely with site leaders in Quality and Maintenance and serve as a key interface with sales and marketing, providing technical insight and customer support as needed.

Responsibilities

• Ensures that site operates to, and complies with US and corporate statutory regulations and policies - including, but not limited to OSHA and Environmental and personnel protection regulations
• Manages operations, ensuring that the site manufactures product safely, on time, in full and to the right quality and cost, in accordance with agreed schedules and standards to satisfy customer demand/business needs
• Directs and oversees enforcement of the organization's safety programs and work safety standards to protect employees and the company against harm and maintains safe working conditions
• Manages site operations by directing and coordinating activities consistent with established goals, objectives, and policies
• Ensures that employees and contractors are appropriately trained and competent to undertake their responsibilities in accordance with best practice
• Takes an active role in the execution of the production plan – displaying ownership of operations direct labor pool, optimizing cost, and facilitating long term labor plan, succession planning and organizational/departmental structure
• Drives Continuous Improvement across all site activities to improve efficiency and reduce waste by implementing appropriate programs (i.e., Lean Six Sigma) and taking responsibility for continuous learning for both the self and business
• Actively leads in development of team members including training, coaching, conducting performance reviews, implementing improvement plans, etc.
• Supports new product introductions, implementations, and evaluations

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of industry experience preferred
• 3-4+ years of Leadership Experience
• Chemical Engineering Degree
• Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and planning skills
• Self-motivated and ability to work within a fast-paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to flex own style as needed to influence and drive results