Operations Manager

A high-performing, privately held manufacturer of advanced specialty materials is looking for a Production Manager to lead operations at a large-scale, continuously operating facility. This is not a maintenance-mode role — it’s an opportunity to step into a visible leadership position where your decisions directly impact plant performance, safety culture, and operational excellence across the board. Key Responsibilities:• Own and lead all production operations with accountability for safety, quality, output, and cost performance • Drive and reinforce a strong safety culture aligned with OSHA standards and environmental compliance • Lead a team of ~70 employees across a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including supervisors, engineers, operators, and technical staff • Set expectations, coach leaders, and elevate overall team performance • Oversee production scheduling and daily execution to meet operational targets • Optimize utilization of labor, materials, and equipment • Track and analyze production metrics, reporting performance to senior leadership • Partner with maintenance to prioritize work orders and respond to equipment issues • Support outage planning and coordinate plant shutdown activities • Lead root cause analysis on production issues and equipment failures • Ensure adherence to ISO-aligned quality systems and documentation standards • Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions and process improvements • Support capital projects and provide input on process design and operational improvements • Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, quality, R&D, labs, and warehouse teams What They’re Looking For: • 5+ years of leadership experience in chemical manufacturing or similar industrial environments • 7+ years managing personnel in a production setting • Proven ability to lead large teams and drive measurable performance improvements • Strong commitment to safety, compliance, and operational integrity • Working knowledge of OSHA regulations, including PSM, MOC, and PSSR • Experience with chemical process equipment (reactors, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pumps, etc.) • Ability to read and interpret P&IDs and technical drawings • Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Chemical or related preferred) • Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools • Ability to support a 24/7 operation while working primarily Monday–Friday onsite