Manager Operational Excellence (60496)

Lsb Industries•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

LSB Industries is seeking an experienced Manager Operational Excellence to own, develop, and sustain The LSB Way, the company-wide operating model. The role establishes governance, leadership routines, management systems, and organizational capabilities to drive consistent manufacturing performance and continuous improvement across facilities. Working with plant leadership, operations teams, and corporate functions, the manager delivers measurable improvements in production, reliability, and efficiency while strengthening the organization’s ability to sustain results. This collaborative, cross-functional leadership role requires influence at all organizational levels, from frontline operators to senior manufacturing leadership. The role focuses on three interconnected areas: ownership and evolution of The LSB Way; data-driven focused improvement to address production losses and operational challenges; and leading change by coaching leaders, developing site champions, and strengthening the Operational Excellence function. The manager will build site ownership and internal capability, support cross-site standardization and knowledge sharing, and partner with Digital Transformation to incorporate production data, digital tools, and performance reporting into daily operations. Regular travel to LSB manufacturing facilities is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
8–10 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, with substantial hands-on exposure to plant operations, production performance, and manufacturing improvement.
Demonstrated success delivering measurable improvements in production throughput, reliability, operational efficiency, or manufacturing costs.
Strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills, including experience with structured problem solving, root cause analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
Demonstrated experience implementing, leading, and sustaining manufacturing operating systems, including governance, daily management routines, leadership accountability, and continuous improvement practices.
Strong understanding of how management systems, operating processes, and organizational behaviors influence manufacturing performance.
Ability to develop organizational capability, coach manufacturing leaders, and establish sustainable processes and behaviors that continue delivering results without ongoing direct intervention.
Ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, influence manufacturing leadership, and build effective working relationships from the shop floor to senior management.
Strong communication, organizational, and execution skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results through others.
Self-motivated, results-oriented leadership, strong personal initiative, sound judgment, and commitment to developing organizational capability.
Willingness and ability to travel regularly to LSB manufacturing facilities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in continuous process manufacturing environments and/or hands-on manufacturing consulting, with demonstrated ability to identify operational constraints, solve complex problems, and implement sustainable improvements.
Previous experience in production operations, manufacturing leadership, or plant-based process engineering roles.
Experience implementing or sustaining a manufacturing operating model across multiple facilities.
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other structured continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience coaching manufacturing teams, leading organizational change, and embedding sustainable improvements into daily operating practices.

Responsibilities

Own and continuously evolve The LSB Way, establishing governance, standards, and mechanisms to assess effectiveness and sustain adoption across manufacturing facilities.
Establish and strengthen operating routines, performance management processes, and accountability systems that promote operational discipline and consistent results.
Coach plant leadership in daily management routines, performance reviews, problem escalation, and accountability practices.
Assess operating-model maturity, identify execution gaps, and prevent regression after initial implementation.
Develop the Operational Excellence function and a network of site champions to build capability and accountability for independent site execution.
Identify, prioritize, and lead improvement initiatives that increase throughput, improve reliability, reduce downtime, and optimize manufacturing costs.
Use structured problem-solving methodologies, root cause analysis, and production data to resolve operational challenges and deliver sustainable improvements.
Establish performance metrics, track improvement initiatives, and validate operational and financial benefits.
Partner with plant leadership, engineering, maintenance, and operations teams to implement improvements and sustain results.
Build internal capability and site ownership of The LSB Way, reducing reliance on external consultants and corporate support.
Transition externally supported improvement initiatives into a sustainable, internally owned operational excellence program.
Drive cross-site alignment, standardization, and sharing of best practices while prioritizing high-value opportunities.
Partner with Digital Transformation to integrate production data, digital tools, and performance reporting into daily operating practices.