Operations Manager

LHH Recruitment Solutions has partnered with a growing organization, and they are seeking a motivated Operations Manager -- Chemical Manufacturing (Extrusion Leadership) to join their team. This is a pivotal leadership role for a hands-on operational leader with deep expertise in extrusion, polymer compounding, and chemical manufacturing. This opportunity offers the chance to influence plant performance at a strategic level while remaining closely connected to day-to-day operations—particularly across extrusion-based production lines.The Operations Manager will be responsible for leading plant-wide manufacturing activities, with a strong focus on extrusion operations, process optimization, and team development. This individual will champion operational excellence across production, logistics, and inventory functions while ensuring alignment with business objectives related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This role requires a leader who thrives in a fast-paced processing environment and can elevate performance through strong leadership, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement initiatives.Key Responsibilities:Provide strategic and hands-on leadership for extrusion-based manufacturing operations, ensuring optimal throughput, efficiency, and product quality.Oversee production planning, scheduling, and capacity alignment to meet customer demand while maximizing equipment and labor utilization.Drive operational excellence initiatives across manufacturing and material flow, including continuous improvement, waste reduction, and process standardization.Lead and develop high-performing teams across production and supervisory levels, fostering accountability, engagement, and succession planning.Maintain full ownership of inventory management processes, including accuracy, cycle counts, and material traceability across the supply chain.Ensure strict compliance with safety, environmental, and quality standards within a regulated manufacturing environment.Analyze operational KPIs and performance metrics to identify trends, resolve issues, and implement sustainable improvements.Partner cross-functionally with engineering, quality, supply chain, and commercial teams to align operational execution with business growth strategies.Lead cost management efforts, including budget ownership, variance analysis, and operational cost control initiatives.Qualifications and Skills:Bachelor’s Degree required.Proven leadership experience within chemical or process manufacturing environments.Strong background leading extrusion operations.Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems to drive production planning, inventory accuracy, and operational visibility.Demonstrated expertise in polymer processing, compounding, or similar materials-based manufacturing.Track record of building, leading, and developing high-performing operations teams.Strong analytical mindset with experience leveraging data to improve operational performance.Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven manufacturing setting.Background in polymer compounding or plastics manufacturing.Experience optimizing extrusion lines for efficiency, yield, and product quality.Exposure to regulated environments with strong safety, quality, and environmental standards.Continuous improvement experience (Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies).Compensation Range: $90,000 - $130,000Benefits Offered: 3 weeks of vacation, paid sick leave where applicable by state law, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance Vision Insurance, 401K, and Life Insurance.If you are a passionate Operations Manager looking for a new and rewarding career, please apply today! You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity!LHH is a leader in permanent recruitment—and in the placement of top talent. Our areas of specialty include office administration, customer service, human resources, engineering, and supply chain and logistics. Please feel free to check us out and apply for other opportunities if this role isn’t a perfect match.Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/DisabledTo read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit https://www.lhh.com/candidate-privacy/