About this role
About LSB
LSB is committed to playing a leadership role in the production of low and no carbon products that build, feed and power the world. The LSB team is dedicated to building a culture of excellence in customer experiences as we deliver essential products across the agricultural and industrial end markets and, in the future, the energy markets. Join our team and help us develop innovative solutions that will improve the quality of life for current and future generations. Learn more about LSB at www.lsbindustries.com .
Position Summary
LSB Industries is seeking an experienced Manager Operational Excellence to own, develop, and sustain The LSB Way, our company-wide operating model. This role is accountable for establishing the governance, leadership routines, management systems, and organizational capabilities that drive consistent manufacturing performance and continuous improvement across our facilities.
This role requires a strong manufacturing background, exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, and a passion for building the systems and processes that enable sustainable operational performance. The successful candidate will combine hands-on production experience with the ability to identify improvement opportunities, solve complex operational problems, and establish standardized practices that prevent recurring issues.
Working closely with plant leadership, operations teams, and corporate functions, the Manager Operational Excellence will be responsible for delivering measurable improvements in production, reliability, and efficiency while strengthening the organization's capability to sustain those results.
This is a highly collaborative, cross-functional leadership role requiring the ability to influence at all levels of the organization, from frontline operators to senior manufacturing leadership.
Core Areas of Responsibility
The Manager Operational Excellence will drive sustainable manufacturing performance through three interconnected areas of responsibility:
Operating Model – The LSB Way
Own the governance, implementation, and continuous evolution of The LSB Way, LSB's company-wide operating model. Establish and sustain the management systems, leadership routines, accountability processes, and organizational capabilities that enable manufacturing sites to independently execute and continuously improve operational performance.
Focused Improvement
Drive measurable improvements in manufacturing performance through data-driven analysis, structured problem solving, and targeted improvement initiatives. Identify and eliminate recurring production losses by addressing root causes and implementing sustainable solutions.
Leading Change
Build organizational capability to sustain The LSB Way through leadership coaching, development of site champions, and strengthening the Operational Excellence function. Partner with manufacturing leadership to embed effective daily management behaviors, establish accountability, and develop site ownership that sustains performance improvements over time.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own and continuously evolve The LSB Way, establishing governance, standards, and mechanisms to assess effectiveness and sustain adoption across manufacturing facilities.
- Establish and strengthen operating routines, performance management processes, and accountability systems that drive operational discipline and consistent results.
- Coach plant leadership in daily management routines, performance reviews, problem escalation, and accountability practices that sustain operational discipline.
- Establish mechanisms to assess operating-model maturity, identify gaps in execution, and prevent regression following initial implementation.
- Develop the Operational Excellence function and a network of site champions, building the capability and accountability required for independent site execution.
- Identify, prioritize, and lead high-impact improvement initiatives that increase throughput, improve reliability, reduce downtime, and optimize manufacturing costs.
- Apply structured problem-solving methodologies, root cause analysis, and production data to identify constraints, resolve complex operational challenges, and deliver sustainable improvements.
- Establish clear performance metrics, track improvement initiatives, and validate operational and financial benefits.
- Partner with plant leadership, engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to implement improvements and sustain results.
- Build internal capability and site ownership of The LSB Way, reducing reliance on external consultants and corporate support.
- Lead the transition of externally supported improvement initiatives into a sustainable, internally owned operational excellence program.
- Drive cross-site alignment, standardization, and sharing of best practices while maintaining focus on the highest-value opportunities.
- Partner with Digital Transformation to integrate production data, digital tools, and performance reporting into daily operating practices.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 8–10 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, with substantial hands-on exposure to plant operations, production performance, and manufacturing improvement.
- Demonstrated success delivering measurable improvements in production throughput, reliability, operational efficiency, or manufacturing costs.
- Strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills, with experience applying structured problem solving, root cause analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
- Demonstrated experience implementing, leading, and sustaining manufacturing operating systems, including governance, daily management routines, leadership accountability, and continuous improvement practices.
- Strong understanding of how management systems, operating processes, and organizational behaviors influence manufacturing performance.
- Proven ability to develop organizational capability, coach manufacturing leaders, and establish sustainable processes and behaviors that continue delivering results without ongoing direct intervention.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence manufacturing leadership, and build effective working relationships from the shop floor to senior management.
- Strong communication, organizational, and execution skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results through others.
- Self-motivated, results-oriented leader with strong personal initiative, sound judgment, and a commitment to developing organizational capability.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly to LSB manufacturing facilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in continuous process manufacturing environments and/or hands-on manufacturing consulting, with a demonstrated ability to identify operational constraints, solve complex problems, and implement sustainable improvements.
- Previous experience in production operations, manufacturing leadership, or plant-based process engineering roles.
- Experience implementing or sustaining a manufacturing operating model across multiple facilities.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other structured continuous improvement methodologies.
- Experience coaching manufacturing teams, leading organizational change, and embedding sustainable improvements into daily operating practices.
LSB Chemical L.L.C. is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. LSB prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. LSB conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.