Operations Manager Job

Title: Operations Manager - Calumet City, IL ($117K - $160K)

This position reports directly to the Plant Manager, manages the day-to-day operations of the Calumet City facility while supporting the Plant Manager in strategic decisions. The position oversees the Production Supervisors, Production Engineer, Production Clerk, and hourly operations workforce, including shift operators, material handlers, utility relief operators and laborers. 

Job dimensions 

Responsible for plant performance in the areas of safety, quality, productivity, reliability and material resource planning for the production department of a Solvent Based PSA and Phenolic Resin manufacturing facility.

Key Activities and responsibilities 

Operations (50%):

• Coordinates and directs all customer fulfillment activities. 
• Continuously drives improvements to the plant’s training, operations, and MRP processes.
• This position is responsible for the safe, efficient operation of all Production Units.
• Ensures optimal production and process improvements for Calumet City processes: Acrylic and Phenolic Reactors, Packaging Operations and the Common areas of the plant.
• Responsible for operating the plant in a safe and environmentally responsible manner that complies with 100% all applicable regulatory requirements.
• Responsible for managing plant budget related to production and operations. Responsible to ensure that production is at the lowest possible cost by monitoring raw material, waste generation and utilities usages. Proposes and ensures implementation of improvements to minimize the production costs.

• Involvement in shutdown planning and execution.
• Participate in advanced troubleshooting, conduct appropriate root-cause analysis, and ensure corrective actions are implemented to address unplanned events as defined in department trigger criteria.
• Understands all facets off the plant process control system and provide feedback to process automation group for improvements and optimization
• High profile / key position within the plant which works closely with every department, sales and marketing, customers and the community.  Has direct daily involvement with most of the activities in the facility.
• Leads/ coordinates plant continuous improvement efforts; delegating projects and tasks to appropriate team members.

Management (50%):

• Professionally manages direct reports; provides performance development/feedback through Success Factors.
• Assure consistency among shifts and monitor production metrics.
• Maintains good labor relations in a union environment; contract negotiation team member.
• Ensures effective communication and engagement with all plant personnel.
• Manage operations training and qualification protocol; Serves on Plant Skills Criteria Team.
• Ensures up-to-date operating procedures; validates procedures and leads refresher training efforts in a timely manner.
• Lead the Management of Change process to ensure PSM requirements are met
• Assures adequate investigation of all incidents within department; closes action items by target due dates.

• Works with the plant operators, engineers, mechanics, and managers to enhance operations at the Calumet City Plant.

• This position is expected to increase proficiency of operators at all levels.
• Responsible for being a site leader, both by example and through training, in the area of process safety.

• Responsible for the development of operations personnel
• Production department champion for Impact (tracking system)
• Key plant manager delegate integral part of the plant strategic decision and execution
• Key plant representative for the S&OP process

Context and environment

• Drives behavior based safety culture by supporting BBS process. Performs observations and encourages all direct reports to participate in BBS.
• Supports the site HES policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements
• Participates in HES activities provided by site management and Arkema Inc. (e.g., Behavioral Base Safety, SMART, etc.)
• Supports and promotes the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incidents
• Must comply with all external regulatory requirements, industry best practices and internal policies.
• Works as a liaison with technical support team to ensure process operations receive required technical support
• Supports all compliance efforts for API products to meet regulatory and certification requirements

Required Education/Qualifications /Work experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering preferred
• Minimum 10 years of experience in industrial related field, preferably chemical manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience managing in a union environment preferred;
• PSM experience strongly preferred.
• Proficient with ISO, QS, MI procedures

Demonstrated Competencies

• Must be able to multi-task and efficiently operate in a stressful work environment.
• Must have strong organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• High level of detail and accuracy required.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other PC applications.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Facilitation skills
• Exposure to SAP, sales & operations planning processes.