Job Title: Manufacturing Manager

Location: Ohio

Reports to: Site Operations Manager

Department: Manufacturing

Position Overview:

A leading producer of specialty chemicals is seeking an experienced and dynamic Manufacturing Manager to oversee the overall management, direction, and coordination of plant operations and maintenance functions. The Manufacturing Manager will be responsible for optimizing production processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, driving safety initiatives, and managing a diverse workforce within a chemical manufacturing environment. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead a team dedicated to operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

• Manage and direct all manufacturing operations, including production workforce and plant maintenance.
• Ensure operational optimization and utilization of plant resources, focusing on maximizing production efficiency and reducing costs.
• Lead the team in the implementation of best practices for plant operations and continuous improvement.

Safety and Compliance:

• Enforce and promote a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with safety, health, environmental policies, and regulations.
• Adhere to industry regulations and ensure conformance to regulatory requirements, including State/Federal EPA and OSHA compliance.
• Maintain a safe work environment by establishing and monitoring safety protocols, and by conducting regular safety training and audits.

Quality and Efficiency:

• Ensure production quality meets or exceeds company standards and customer expectations.
• Develop and maintain operating procedures to improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve operational problems and process inefficiencies.

Workforce Management:

• Supervise, develop, and motivate a team of hourly production employees, ensuring high levels of engagement and performance.
• Collaborate with union representatives, as necessary, to address workforce issues and maintain harmonious labor relations.
• Provide coaching, training, and leadership to the production team to enhance skills, resolve conflicts, and improve team performance.

Cost Control and Budgeting:

• Prepare and manage the manufacturing department’s budget, ensuring cost control while maintaining operational excellence.
• Monitor and optimize asset utilization, ensuring efficient use of resources to minimize waste and reduce operational costs.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with the Site Operations Manager, Director of Operations, Production Engineers, Maintenance Manager, and EH&S professionals to achieve operational goals.
• Communicate effectively with senior management, technical teams, administrative staff, and external stakeholders.
• Present complex technical information in a concise, understandable manner for non-technical audiences.

Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reductions, and increased productivity.
• Lead initiatives for operational optimization, utilizing tools such as Six Sigma or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Drive cultural change within the organization to foster a proactive, results-oriented environment.

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, with a strong understanding of batch and continuous operations.
• Experience working in a Process Safety Management (PSM) site.
• Knowledge of State/Federal EPA and OSHA compliance requirements.
• Proven experience managing unionized hourly workforce.
• Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing systems and troubleshooting processes.

Preferred:

• Six Sigma certification or similar continuous improvement training.
• Knowledge of Process Hazard Analysis (PHA).
• Basic understanding of control systems.
• Experience in managing and optimizing both batch and continuous production operations.

Additional Information:

• Some travel may be required for plant visits, audits, or training.
• This position will be based in Ohio.