Operations Leader

Momentive•Waterford, MI

About The Position

The Operations Leader owns a critical production operation at Momentive’s Waterford silicone manufacturing site, leading the team to deliver performance across safety, environmental stewardship, quality, production, cost, and people development. The role partners closely with Value Stream Leaders to shape and execute operations strategy, drive continuous improvement, and build a high-performing culture, helping position Waterford as a world-class manufacturing site. The position provides operational and people leadership, contributes to business and budget planning, monitors financial performance, and coordinates production planning with cross-functional leaders. The role is also responsible for advancing manufacturing excellence and ensuring effective staffing, labor utilization, and implementation of manufacturing expectations and standards.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Business, Science, Math, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience managing 5 or more direct reports, with the highest ethics and credibility.
Proven safety leadership, including leading teams to reduce safety exposures and transform team working culture to an interdependent level of safety culture.
Experience leading manufacturing quality improvements that produced consistent, specification-compliant product for customers with specialty requirements.
At least 8 years of progressive leadership, manufacturing, or engineering experience in the manufacturing industry.
Working knowledge of general and cost accounting principles.
Experience or knowledge implementing or working in LEAN operations structures.
Experience presenting to senior executives or leadership teams and explaining complex material with relatable examples or analogies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent understanding of Microsoft business software, ERP, and data management tools.

Nice To Haves

At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
Chemical or oil manufacturing industry experience.
SAP experience.
Experience leading an exempt workforce.
Experience leading an hourly union workforce.

Responsibilities

Lead operations to meet safety, environmental, production, quality, and cost objectives in alignment with business strategy and direction.
Develop and execute an implementation plan to achieve world-class manufacturing excellence in the assigned operating area.
Participate with peer managers in business planning and the creation of operating and capital budgets; monitor, communicate, and forecast variances from financial performance targets.
Manage optimal headcount to meet business needs and site productivity goals, while driving certification rates for efficient labor utilization.
Review and approve Management of Change requests, variances, purchase requisitions, and capital projects, as applicable.
Develop and mentor direct and indirect staff, including Front Line Leaders, Area Process Coordinators, and Inventory Control Teams.
Collaborate with peer Leadership Team members to implement manufacturing expectations and standards consistently.
Work with Value Stream Leaders, Asset Management, and the Production/Maintenance Coordinator (PMC) to develop and validate production schedules for execution.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance, including critical illness coverage and optional orthodontia coverage.
Paid parental leave for the birth of a child.
Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement.
Short-term disability with 100% base salary coverage.
Company-funded counseling through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and assistance finding care for children, parents, or pets.
25 days of Paid Time Off plus paid holidays, with additional time off based on years of service.
401(k) savings plan with a 5% employer match and an additional contribution based on years of service.
Student debt pay-off program.
Professional development programs and courses.
Wellness programs and financial education.
Eligibility for incentive or sales variable compensation payments, subject to plan terms and company or individual performance.