Production Manager

Job Description: The Chemical Production Manager will lead the production department to be the best version of itself and drive toward best-in-class. This role involves owning the production process, ensuring consistent and steady operation, and instilling a data-driven, continuous improvement mentality. The Chemical Production Manager will have direct supervisory responsibility for the Shift Supervisors and the Documentation Engineer/Technical Writer. They will support all company policies, goals, and objectives, representing the company knowledgeably and professionally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop cross-functional teams to align with corporate goals and production needs.
• Promote a proactive safety culture and oversee HSE programs.
• Implement training programs and drive employee development.
• Manage materials planning, inventory control, and warehouse operations to optimize production efficiency.
• Ensure maintenance of machinery and facilities through preventive and predictive programs.
• Lead process improvements and support new product introductions.
• Manage logistics for timely delivery and compliance.
• Utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manage an effective production budget and communicate deviations to the Plant Manager.
• Drive knowledge and problem-solving to the lowest levels of the organization.
• Own the operator training and qualification process.
• Conduct Root Cause Failure Analysis (RCFA) and resolve production issues.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental programs and regulations.
• Communicate production results to the Plant Manager.
• Facilitate performance management and conduct appraisals.
• Manage employee PTO requests and timecards.
• Participate in hiring processes for new employees.
• Support plant shutdown activities with necessary resources.
• Ensure best-in-class SOPs for consistent operation.
• Drive effective change through the Management of Change (MOC) process.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee records and company matters.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering REQUIRED (Chemical Engineering preferred).
• 3-5 years of operations experience in a large-scale industrial, continuous process manufacturing environment.
• 3-5 years of supervisory/leadership experience.
• Experience with processing equipment (e.g., evaporators, heat exchangers, centrifuges).
• Ethanol manufacturing experience preferred.
• Proven leader with a strong continuous improvement mentality.
• Effective budget management experience.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• General knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations.

Skills/Abilities Required:

• Proven leadership skills.
• Strong continuous improvement mentality.
• Knowledge of reliability principles.
• Effective budget management experience.
• Detail-oriented with strong critical thinking and organizational skills.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products.
• Effective delegator.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• General knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations for construction and manufacturing.