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.