Head of Operations

LANXESS Corporation • North Charleston, SC

1d

About The Position

The Head of Operations is accountable for overall operational performance, workforce capability, process safety, environmental compliance and production planning across the site's manufacturing units and supporting operations. The position translates site and business strategies into operational priorities and short-, mid- and long-term plans. It develops organizational capabilities, strengthens frontline leadership, drives operational excellence and coordinates effectively with Maintenance, Engineering, Reliability, Supply Chain, HSSE and other functions.

The successful candidate balances daily operational execution with long-term planning to support sustainable achievement of site safety, production, quality, reliability, environmental and cost objectives. The role leads the Operations organization and production performance across multiple production units, oversees resource allocation and operational KPIs, and promotes accountability and systematic performance improvements.

LANXESS is a specialty chemicals company with about 12,000 employees in 32 countries. Its core business is developing, manufacturing and marketing chemical intermediates, additives and consumer protection products. The company describes its commitment to sustainability and its value-based performance culture as part of its organizational approach.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in chemical manufacturing or operations, with demonstrated progressive responsibility and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to lead teams and develop organizational capabilities in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of standard IT systems and programs, including ERP.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment in prioritizing resources, resolving competing operational demands, managing abnormal situations and determining when escalation is required.
• Ability to lead a multi-unit chemical manufacturing organization operating processes with significant process safety, environmental, quality and business risks.
• Experience in operational planning, performance management and continuous improvement.
• Ability to balance production commitments, workforce capability, equipment reliability, maintenance requirements, operating costs and compliance obligations across multiple operating areas.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate business objectives into actionable operational plans and long-term improvement priorities.

Nice To Haves

• 10 or more years of relevant experience in chemical manufacturing or operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Operations organization to ensure safe, compliant, reliable and cost-effective execution of site manufacturing activities.
• Drive operational leadership, production performance and operational discipline across multiple production units.
• Develop and execute short-, mid- and long-term operational plans aligned with site and business strategies.
• Anticipate operational needs related to production capacity, workforce capabilities, equipment reliability, resources and capital investments.
• Provide leadership in organizational development, succession planning and workforce capability development.
• Ensure process safety, HSSE and regulatory compliance within Operations.
• Lead production planning, resource allocation and coordination across units.
• Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement and sustainable performance improvements.
• Manage operating costs, resource utilization and operational KPIs.
• Ensure effective cross-functional alignment, communication and escalation.
• Strengthen accountability and ensure consistent execution of corrective actions and systematic improvements in operating performance.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages, including a global bonus program.
• Retirement plans, health programs, life insurance and medical care.
• Flexible working arrangements through the global Xwork program.
• Professional and personal development, including opportunities for formal and informal education, training and learning.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director