Operations Manager Job

Job Summary

Manages the day-to-day tactical production control planning, scheduling, flow of materials, and monitoring to achieve goals and objectives for delivery dates, output quality, volume, cost, and optimization. Oversees scheduling and the development of methods to allocate and control resources and materials effectively. Establishes monitoring tools and processes to identify and plan for problems with waste, inefficiencies, and inventory in production operations.

Recommends improvements to production technology and processes. Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop effective planning methodologies and best practices.

This position is a key member of the Plant Staff, and has direct interaction with Production, Logistics, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, HES, and HR. The role oversees all site operations and maintenance hourly personnel and support roles including the Maintenance Coordinator, Day Activity Coordinator, and Day Auxiliary Operator.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities with % Breakdown:

Site Safety and Environmental Leadership – 15%

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, plant safety, and environmental requirements (with an emphasis on AIMS compliance).
• Lead safety initiatives such as the Behavioral-Based Safety (BBS) program.
• Ensure incident reporting, investigation, and corrective action implementation.
• Promote and enforce HES training, standards, and engagement through visible leadership.

Department Staff Management – 45%

• Lead all site operations and maintenance hourly employees and day support resources.
• Serve as a coach and mentor, managing performance and fostering engagement.
• Develop Shift Team Leaders' leadership capabilities and assess training needs.
• Ensure proper implementation of work processes, enabling technologies, and organizational roles.
• Support the SMART methodology and maintain an empowered team culture.
• Oversee completion of Performance Management requirements and employee development plans.

• Production Support Activities – 20%
• Coordinate operational and maintenance resources to meet short- and long-term production plans.
• Participate in demand planning with Supply Chain and Sales teams.
• Support coordination of turnarounds and unplanned maintenance events.
• Deliver weekly/monthly production reports and support continuous improvement.
• Provide backup support for OAU/OEE tracking and improvement efforts.

Strategic Activities – 15%

• Lead development and use of site dashboards and KPIs.
• Support Mechanical Integrity Program compliance.
• Lead reliability culture change and participate in continuous improvement efforts.
• Manage department-level People Systems and employee-related OD processes.
• Contribute to Six Sigma/OPEX initiatives and help manage department budgets.

Other Activities – 5%

• Participate in community outreach and CSR programs.
• Act as site SMART Champion and promote cross-functional alignment.
• Support execution of site OPEX projects.
• Serve as backup Plant Manager and media spokesperson when required.
• Perform other duties as needed to support site success.

Minimum Qualifications and Education Required

• Minimum 7 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a supervisory capacity or as a team lead.
• Strong process improvement knowledge is required.
• Experience working both with and within global companies is a plus
• Process Safety knowledge (PHA, LOPA, SIS).
• Experience facilitating Root Cause Investigations.
• Strong understanding of technical and financial implications of process decisions.
• Previous supervisory experience strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of HSE regulations: OSHA, PSM, RCRA, and emergency response.

Education:  Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Chemical or Mechanical preferred).

Certifications/Trainings:             Internal certifications (SMART, AIMS) and SAP familiarity are a plus.

Competencies - Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs)             

• Strong analytical and independent problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Initiative-driven, self-motivated, and comfortable with minimal oversight.
• Ability to influence, engage, and lead at multiple levels of the organization.
• Effective communicator (written and verbal) across all organizational levels.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and SAP (or similar ERP system).

HES Requirement – All Jobs     

• 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, SafeStart, etc.)
• Supports and promotes the reporting of all health, safety, environmental, near-miss, accident or injury incidents

Physical Demands/Working Conditions       

• Position is based in manufacturing facility with all inherent risks. Will work with operators, managers and site champions to accomplish goals.
• Capable of working in all operational, maintenance, and utility areas of a chemical manufacturing facility.
• Must be available to respond to operational events and emergencies as needed.