Career Opportunities: Operations Manager (10235)

Nufarm•Alsip, IL

About The Position

Grow a Better Tomorrow with Nufarm. We know that growing is about more than just crops and cultivation. It's about sunshine and rain, early mornings and hard work. It can be frustratingly unpredictable but also wonderfully uplifting. More than anything, it's about people. Nufarm is the dependable partner behind thousands of agricultural success stories. Every day, growers around the world turn to our products and our people to help with the challenges of fighting disease, weeds and pests, and to increase crop yields. How can you grow with Nufarm? Based in Alsip, IL, Nufarm is looking for an Operations Manager who is responsible for leading and providing direction for the safe, reliable, cost-effective operation of the facility. The Operations Manager generates tremendous value to Nufarm through; Health, Safety & Environmental and Reliability Leadership, People Leadership and Organizational Effectiveness, Business Owner Mindset/Financial Acumen, and Technical Acumen and Continuous Improvement. The Operations Manager has the overall responsibility and accountability for the Health, Safety and Environmental performance (License to Operate), plant assets, cost management, people leading, and achievement of plant related business, site and corporate goals.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor's degree in a STEM field (required), with a preference for a degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in chemical manufacturing is required, and familiarity with batch processing is considered a plus.
Additionally, candidates must have at least 3 years of people leadership experience.
A strong track record of Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) performance in current and previous roles is essential, along with a working knowledge of OSHA 29 CFR 1910 safety and health standards.
Experience in root cause investigations and proficiency with analysis tools and methodologies are also required.
A minimum requirement for this US based position is the ability to work legally and permanently without work sponsorship.

Responsibilities

Meets business and functional requirements with respect to Health, Safety & Environmental , productivity, cost management, personnel development, plant reliability, management systems and continuous improvement.
Provide leadership to the Operations team, and all other teams and employees supporting plant operations: Quality Control / Quality Assurance, Scheduling and Planning, Inventory, Resource Planning, Logistics/Warehouse, and Maintenance to ensure a safe and efficient manufacture environment.
Develop strong partnerships with support functions.
Drive continuous improvement and alignment in all aspects of the operation.
Enhances front line skills and knowledge of plant personnel and related roles through coaching on plant process, equipment, engineering, reliability principles, HSE&Q standards, and other related area.
Coaches and teaches operators/technicians during troubleshooting activities.
Partners with an operations team member when in the field.
Supports the business in achieving its goals by aligning plant operations with the business strategy.
Relentlessly pursues maximum plant reliability to reduce unplanned events and support safe operations.
Knows and champions safety standards.
Demonstrates priority and commitment through personal behavior.
Keeps a strong field presence and routinely assesses work activities to maintain awareness of plant needs and influence behaviors.
Sets the expectation in words and actions.
Understanding and strong leadership to ensure the highest standards regarding process safety.
Develops metrics and management systems to drive continuous improvement in health, safety & environmental and reliability.
Ensures the Mechanical Integrity program is robust for safe operation.
The Operations Manager is responsible for risk management decisions regarding any potential deficiencies and deferrals.
Ensures timely and effective investigations are conducted with appropriate corrective and preventative actions to prevent recurrence.
Leverages lessons learned to and from other facilities.
Escalates issues appropriately to leadership through effective communications.
Drive progress to meet the committed compliance date to maintain the facility's license to operate.
Facilitates personnel development, counselling, motivating, and policy setting to create an environment for employees and work teams that supports a commitment to continuous improvement and empowerment.
Routinely interfaces with formulations development team and toll manufacturing team in matters related to new formulation introductions and existing formulation production concerns.
New product introductions are coordinated and implemented effectively.
Provides leadership support for empowerment by implementing relevant standard operating work processes and related procedures.
Ensures common sense implementation and ongoing effectiveness of global work processes/policies, operating discipline, management systems, enabling technologies, and roles to become a Highly Reliable Organization.
Challenges inefficiencies and says “no” when needed.
Operates the facility within the financial guidelines and conduct monthly analysis to ensure costs are in compliance with budgetary goals and functional guidelines.
Accountable for accurate production consumption and posting and performance in production variances; work to eliminate production variances.
Accountable for physical inventory performance, including implementing any necessary improvements to drive better results.
Identify opportunities for product quality improvement (packaging, process efficiency, etc.) and drive these initiatives through the leadership of the roles reporting in.
Plans and directs production activities and establishes production priorities to meet customer demands in a safe and cost-effective manner.
Participate as a member of the North America Manufacturing Leadership Team and help to drive the strategy and goals for the region.