Operations Manager

ICL Group • Lawrence, KS

7d • Onsite

About The Position

As the Acid Operations Manager, you are responsible for leading the manufacturing team to achieve operational excellence. This role encompasses effective cost management, ensuring a safe and compliant workplace, fulfilling environmental and health responsibilities, maintaining operational efficiency, and fostering continuous improvement. Additionally, this position will manage and develop personnel while maintaining positive community relations. This position will work at our manufacturing facility in Lawrence, Kansas.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in technical discipline, preferably Chemical Engineering, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience
• Proven track record of progressive leadership experience, including demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively, drive strategic initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
• Progressive plant knowledge of manufacturing techniques and plant operations; and desire/ability to progress to a higher level position in the future
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal and labor-relations skills
• Strong interfacing skills at all levels, both internally and externally
• Good work ethic and ability to provide technical support for a 24/7 operation
• Ability to work long periods of time in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Both indoors and outdoors. Standing, walking, climbing ladders & stairs, etc.

Nice To Haves

• Union labor management experience
• Leadership and team management – the ability to inspire, guide and connect with team members effectively
• Union labor management experience
• Strategic Thinking – ability to develop long-term strategies and align them with business goals
• Results-driven mindset – demonstrates a strong commitment to achieving measurable outcomes by setting clear objectives, optimizing processes, and consistently delivering on key performance indicators

Responsibilities

• Responsible for employee compliance with plant fundamental and regulatory training
• Foster a positive safety culture. Provide a safe work environment by ensuring safety goals are established and met. Participate in the Lawrence Plant safety programs and committees
• Support the Human and Organizational Performance learning philosophy
• Ensure environmentally responsible operations, compliance with governmental regulations (OSHA / EPA)
• Maintain / support contractor and guest safety. Must be able to safely and quickly exit the plant in the event of an emergency
• Ensure use of MOC as required
• Understand and follow all applicable Lawrence Quality System Procedures and assist in their improvement, implement corrective and preventive actions as needed with high focus on quality culture and continuous improvement
• Comply with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act
• Set and communicate expectations for team. Promote employee growth and development, facilitate establishment of employee goals
• Provide ongoing feedback and coaching. Foster an environment of recognition
• Promote employee value and support diversity. Encourage positivity and an enjoyable environment.
• Promote teamwork, participation, resolve conflicts, and consensus-style decision making
• Recruit prospective employees
• Develop, implement and oversee a comprehensive maintenance program to ensure optimal performance and reliability of plant equipment and machinery
• Meet production commitments. Lead and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and productivity
• Collaborate with Engineering Manager to develop and implement short and long-term capital plans that align with the plant’s strategic goals
• Manage plant product portfolio changes
• Manage and optimize utility services (natural gas fired boilers, water treating, etc.) for the site
• Focus on cost management. Develop and implement strategies to optimize operational costs by establishing budget and managing the fixed cost targets.
• Review costs monthly and communicate the budget variances
• Provide contingency planning as necessary
• Ensure compliance with corporate objectives and communicate / advocate plant capabilities
• Manage and participate in customer visits and audits; respond to customer needs
• Evaluate and implement feasible new product and process opportunities including interfacing with the Technical Sales Center and Sales Team

Benefits

• Competitive base pay and performance bonus
• Medical, dental, vision, and life benefits that start quickly – the first of the month after hire.
• Wellness Incentive Program to lower your health insurance cost
• Inclusive benefits for growing families, covering fertility, adoption, and parental leave
• Generous Leave and FMLA policies
• Tax-advantaged health savings and spending accounts (when applicable)
• Prescription program that provides most generic maintenance medications at no cost (including Insulin products)
• 401k eligibility from day one of employment with a generous company matching contribution. 100% vested after one year of service
• Crisis assistance available to support employees during unforeseen circumstances
• Employee Assistance Program that includes comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Student Loan Assistance
• Business travel reward points are eligible for personal use
• Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group’s (ERG) participation
• Free membership to a program that offers various discounts for travel, entertainment, groceries, and much more

What This Job Offers

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