About this role
Job Highlights
- Lead the daily execution and performance of the Operations organization, including approximately 34 employees across 7 different production trains, the warehouse organization and the Thermal Oxidizer Unit
- Establish priorities, allocate available resources, coordinate staffing, and ensure adequate operational coverage to maintain safe and reliable plant operation. The role supports the operation of 9 products and 7 production processes with an annual production volume of approximately 21,000 metric tons
- Ensure consistent operating standards, work practices, training expectations, communication routines and perfromance expectations across the production organization
- Provide direct line management for Operations Technicians and the Operations Specialist, including selection, onboarding, performance management, coaching, development, succession planning, workforce planning, attendance management, recognition, corrective action, and other personnel decisions in accordance with company policies.
- Hold employees accountable for safe work practices, operating discipline, procedure compliance, performance expectations, and professional behavior
- Serve as the primary first-level management authority for the Operations organization and ensure consistent application of company policies and management expectations across the site
- Coordinate daily activities with Maintenance, Engineering, Reliability, Supply Chain, Logistics, Quality, E&I, Safety, Environmental and other support functions to maximize plant reliability, production and customer service
- Direct and prioritize daily production activities across multiple operating units, balancing safety, environmental, quality, reliability, customer service, production and cost requirements
- Establish daily staffing and operating priorities based on production requirements, equipment availability, maintenance needs, employee qualifications, and changing business conditions
- Coordinate operating decisions during startups, shutdowns, abnormal conditions, equipment failures, production interruptions and other non-routine situations
- Determine when operating conditions require escalation to Engineering, Maintenance, HSSE, Quality, Supply Chain or site leadership
- Ensure that production plans are translated into executable operating priorities and that deviations are identified, communicated and addressed in a timely manner
- Drive operational excellence through root cause investigations, operational improvements, operator development, housekeeping, operational diligence, and continuous improvement initiatives while supporting site safety, environmental and quality objectives
- Own and monitor key operational performance indicators, including production attainment, OEE, operating reliability, operating rate, quality, waste, inventory accuracy, overtime, staffing effectiveness, housekeeping, training completion and operational compliance.
- Analyze performance trends and lead corrective actions to improve results
- Develop and maintain the capability of the Operations organization through qualification planning, cross-training, succession planning, individual development plans, mentoring and identification of future operational leaders
- Identify capability gaps and recommend staffing, training, organizational or process changes needed to maintain safe and reliable operations
- Lead cross-functional resolution of operational constraints and recurring performance issues, ensuring that actions are assigned, prioritized, followed up and completed
Experience / Skills
- Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in chemical manufacturing or a related process manufacturing environment, including at least 5 years in a leadership, supervisory or production management role with responsibility for production personnel. Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent combination of education, technical training and experience
- > 10 years of demonstrated experience in multi-unit operations organization in a safety-critical, regulated manufacturing environment (e.g., OSHA Process Safety Management)
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, mentor and develop a high-performing Operations organization while promoting safety, operational discipline, accountability and continuous improvement
- Extensive knowledge of chemical plant operations, troubleshooting, production planning, abnormal operating conditions and operational decision-making across complex manufacturing processes
- Strong ability to coordinate and influence Maintenance, Engineering, Reliability, Supply Chain, Logistics, Quality, HSSE and other support functions to resolve issues and achieve business objectives
- Ability to independently evaluate operational data, production performance, resource requirements, cost impacts and risks; prioritize actions; and drive sustainable performance improvement
Location Charleston
Employee Type Regular
Who we are
LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with about 12,000 employees in 32 countries. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacturing and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives and consumer protection products. LANXESS has achieved leading positions in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index and the MSCI ESG and ISS ESG ratings, among others, for its commitment to sustainability.
Be part of it!
What we offer
- Compensation We offer competitive compensation packages, inclusive of a global bonus program.
- Comprehensive Benefits We provide a variety of benefits to support your financial security, health and wellbeing including retirement plans, health programs, life insurance and medical care.
- Work-Life & Flexibility We support you in maintaining a balance between working hours and personal life. With our global “Xwork” program, we offer flexible working arrangements in all countries in which we operate.
- Training & Development We are committed to your professional and personal development and encourage you in the ongoing pursuit of education, training and knowledge through both formal and informal learning.
- Diversity LANXESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religion, national origin, veteran status and political beliefs.
LANXESS has a value-based performance culture. We are seeking a range of human interests, backgrounds, and experiences that can be engaged to achieve respect, ownership, trust, professionalism, integrity and healing across all sectors.
We are looking to find diverse and talented people to join our team. Studies have shown that some individuals are less likely to apply if they do not meet 100% of the criteria. We are looking to equalize the gap! If you are excited about this role but your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We will look to assess your talent against our competencies, values and requirements to get the best organizational fit. You might be the right candidate for this or other roles we have available!
Join the LANXESS team!