Assistant Operations Manager

Clariant•Leesburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Operations Manager supports the Operations Manager in leading production activities for the Care Chemicals Business Unit at the Mt. Holly site, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality operations that meet production schedules, cost targets, and EHS performance standards. This role directly supervises material handlers, serves as backup to the Operations Manager, and acts as a key member of the site emergency management team. The Assistant Operations Manager is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to improve production performance, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency while promoting a zero-incident safety culture. This position offers significant leadership development opportunities, providing hands-on experience in production management, safety leadership, and continuous improvement while working on high-impact projects that directly influence site performance and team success.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required (Engineering or Chemistry preferred)
5-10 years of chemical manufacturing or production operations experience
Proficiency in SAP or similar ERP systems (preferred)
Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams
Demonstrated ability to drive change and operational improvements

Nice To Haves

Lean Six Sigma certification preferred

Responsibilities

Supports Operations Manager in leading production activities to achieve efficient, safe, and high-quality operations while meeting production schedules, cost targets, and EHS performance standards.
Serve as backup for Operations Manager and key member of the site emergency management team.
Directly supervises material handlers to achieve site goals and KPIs.
Owns EHS performance of production operations and champions a zero-incident safety culture across all activities.
Develops and implements continuous improvement strategies to enhance production performance, analyzing and identifying projects to optimize processes and products.
Collaborates with Technical Manager to ensure effective repair and maintenance programs that reduce downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (UEE).
Identifies and implements operational solutions to enhance equipment reliability and performance.
Leads, motivates, and develops team members in alignment with company management principles, ensuring appropriate qualifications, training, and education for all staff.
Supports conversion cost improvement initiatives and POV (Process Order Variances) analysis to drive operational efficiency.
Development of SOPs, lead operator training programs, and change management activities