Senior Plant Manager
Senior Plant Manager - Chemicals Manufacturing
Location: St. Louis, MO
Industry: Chemical Manufacturing
Reports To: Vice President of Operations
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Plant Manager to lead all manufacturing, operational, safety, quality, and financial activities for a chemical production facility in the St. Louis, MO area. This individual will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations, and leading a high-performing team to achieve production, quality, and profitability goals. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in chemical manufacturing operations, demonstrated leadership experience, and a proven track record of implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all plant operations, including production, maintenance, engineering, quality, safety, and environmental compliance.
- Drive a culture of safety and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, PSM, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
- Develop and execute operational strategies that support company objectives related to productivity, quality, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.
- Lead and mentor plant leadership teams, fostering employee development, accountability, and engagement.
- Manage plant budgets, capital expenditures, and operational performance metrics.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
- Partner with engineering, supply chain, and commercial teams to optimize production planning and inventory management.
- Ensure reliability and maintenance programs are effectively executed to maximize equipment uptime and performance.
- Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, productivity, and financial performance.
- Lead plant expansion, process improvement, and capital project initiatives as required.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including significant experience at the Director level or equivalent leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
- Chemical industry manufacturing experience is required.
- Strong knowledge of chemical production processes, safety management systems, and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ERP systems.
- Proven ability to lead large teams and drive operational excellence in a complex manufacturing setting.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing plant budgets and capital projects.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred:
- Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Manufacturing Certification.
- Experience managing union and non-union workforces.
- Advanced degree (MBA, MS Engineering, or related field).
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive base salary
- Annual performance bonus
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Relocation assistance (if applicable)
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with deep chemical industry expertise, a passion for continuous improvement, and the ability to build high-performing teams while maintaining world-class safety, quality, and operational standards. This individual will excel in a fast-paced environment and possess the strategic vision necessary to drive long-term plant performance and growth.
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