Chemical Production Operations Lead

Job Description

Job Description

Are you ready to run a complex coatings line from end to end?

We’re looking for a hands-on leader to run weekend-night operations for our automotive coatings manufacturing team in Cleveland, OH. You’ll report to the Production Superintendent and be the backbone of safe, reliable, and high-quality output—every shift.

Why this role?

• Because customers count on us to deliver exactly to spec and on time.
• Because great operators deserve a coach who develops their skills and holds standards high.
• Because continuous improvement, 5S, and disciplined processes turn good plants into great ones.

Your schedule & location

Weekend Nights: Friday–Sunday, 5:00 pm–5:00 am. Expect occasional overtime and weekend support when needed. This role is onsite at our Cleveland, OH plant.

Your challenges

• Keep batching, mixing, filling, and packaging on plan while meeting safety, quality, and delivery commitments.
• Optimize workflow, equipment utilization, and labor to maximize throughput.
• Align with first- and night-shift leaders for seamless handoffs and transparent communication.
• Develop operators and support staff; complete performance reviews and address performance issues promptly.
• Set staffing and overtime strategies to meet demand without compromising standards.
• Lead by example to strengthen accountability, teamwork, CI, and 5S culture.
• Verify reliable operation of mixers, pumps, and filling lines; drive PM and partner with Maintenance to resolve breakdowns fast.
• Reduce downtime through root-cause problem solving and proactive planning.
• Maintain accurate production records, shift summaries, KPIs, and audit/regulatory documentation.
• Direct a union hourly workforce, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and throughput processes.
• Collaborate with Quality, EHS, and site resources to remove roadblocks and balance personnel, material, and equipment constraints.
• Process payroll accurately for assigned team members.

What you’ll need to succeed

• Demonstrated leadership and people development in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Lean/continuous improvement and 5S methodologies.
• Working knowledge of OSHA/EPA requirements.
• Comfort with data analysis and decisive operational judgment.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills across functions and shifts.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office.

Pay and benefits

Salary: $70,000–$85,000, based on experience. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage; a matching 401(k) and retirement savings; paid vacation; and holiday pay.

Our purpose

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD™ . We bring innovation, sustainability, and color leadership to industrial, transportation, consumer, and construction markets. Visit and follow @PPG on X.

How we work: The PPG Way 2030

• Customer-first: listen, move fast, deliver solutions.
• Purposeful and agile: empowered, data-driven, smart risk-taking.
• Operational rigor: productivity, collaboration, accountability, continuous improvement.
• Winning mindset: tech-enabled, ambitious, future-focused.
• Proud and inclusive: safe, ethical, united, and diverse.

What to expect in hiring

We use AI tools to make recruiting more efficient, but people make hiring decisions. Learn more at -resources.

Additional information

Compensation and benefits can vary by location and depend on skills, experience, education, certifications, and business needs. Benefits are governed by plan documents and will be reviewed by your recruiter. We welcome feedback on our process—share on Glassdoor to help us improve. By applying and sharing your mobile number, you consent to receive recruitment-related texts (you can opt out anytime; message and data rates may apply; frequency varies).

Equal Opportunity

PPG provides equal opportunity to all candidates and employees. We offer an opportunity to grow and develop your career in an environment that provides a fulfilling workplace for employees, creates an environment for continuous learning, and embraces the ideas and diversity of others. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability status, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

Accessibility

If you need an adjustment due to a disability, please email View email address on us.fitly.work.