Manufacturing Director /Directeur Manufacturier - Chemicals

Bakelite•Longueuil, QC

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

As our Manufacturing Director overseeing multiple (3-6) plants across Canada and the United States, you will shape the future of Bakelite’s manufacturing network by elevating safety, reliability, and operational excellence across all sites. You will drive modernization, capacity growth, and sustainability, ensuring our facilities operate efficiently and responsibly today — and are positioned for the future. You will develop and empower plant leadership teams, strengthening succession pipelines and fostering a culture built on trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. You will partner directly with key leaders to influence enterprise-wide strategy, capital planning, and long‑term operational priorities. You will create meaningful value for customers and communities, ensuring our products support safer homes, stronger infrastructure, and a more sustainable world.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related technical field required.
10–15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership with experience leading multi‑level teams.
5+ years overseeing multiple plants or a large, complex production network.
Strong background in maintenance, reliability engineering, capital planning, and process improvement.
Proven experience collaborating with and influencing senior executives.
Demonstrated success in Lean/CI, modernization, production optimization, and workforce development.
Cross‑functional experience within a matrixed environment (Engineering, EHS, Supply Chain, Quality, HR, Finance).
Familiarity with ERP/MES systems in a manufacturing environment.
Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to Live Safety First, Build Trust, Do the Right Thing, and Create Value.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking, capable of managing complex priorities across multiple facilities.
Excellent communication and influence skills across all levels—from operators to the C‑suite.
High emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience in a fast‑paced operational environment.
Ability to lead large‑scale change, build alignment, and drive long‑term continuous improvement across a region.
Ability to work in both the United States and Canada.
English fluency is required.
Candidates without French must be willing to develop effective communication skills with French-speaking colleagues.
Willingness and ability to travel frequently across North America to support multi‑site leadership, audits, capital projects, talent development, and executive‑level engagements.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Willing to take a drug test.
Submit to a background investigation as part of the selection process, as well as additional periodic background checks as required by the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) or regulations adopted by the Department of Homeland Security or other regulatory agencies.
Candidates are required to have unrestricted authorization to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree (MBA or Engineering/Operations) preferred.
Chemical manufacturing is preferred.
French proficiency is preferred and considered a competitive advantage due to leadership responsibilities in Québec.
Living within reasonable proximity to one of our regional sites is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop multi-site manufacturing performance across 3-6 locations, ensuring alignment to Bakelite’s strategic, operational, and cultural priorities.
Champion a Safety First culture, ensuring all facilities meet and exceed regulatory, environmental, and company EHS standards.
Drive operational excellence, Lean/CI initiatives, equipment reliability, and process optimization across the regional network.
Partner with Engineering and Technical Operations on plant improvements, modernization, maintenance strategies, and capital project execution.
Collaborate with Leadership on long‑term planning, capital investments, risk management, and enterprise operational strategy.
Strengthen plant leadership capability through coaching, succession planning, and talent development.
Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, and Commercial teams to ensure consistent quality, delivery, customer value, and cross-functional alignment.
Ensure sustainability and green manufacturing initiatives across the region, including energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water stewardship.