Operations Manager

Ashland • Hopewell, VA

18d • Onsite

About The Position

Ashland Specialty Ingredients is seeking an Operations Manager for its Life Sciences business at the Hopewell, Virginia site. This visible, significant role is part of the site leadership team and reports to the Plant Manager. The manager oversees site operations, including safety and environmental compliance, budgeting, production planning, strategic planning, continuous improvement, and coordination with support organizations to meet business and customer objectives. The role also calls for positive, effective leadership and fostering a cooperative team environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline.
• At least 15 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in chemical manufacturing, including extensive operations management experience and the ability to manage a site with more than 150 employees and contractors.
• Strong knowledge of PSM programs, reaction, distillation, powder handling, and handling high-hazard chemicals.
• Ability to lead, influence, build, and develop a cross-functional team across different skill sets.
• Demonstrated self-starter with urgency to deliver results.
• Ability to take a hands-on approach.
• Proven management experience, including experience managing collective bargaining unit employees.
• Experience working within and complying with governmental regulations and reporting requirements, including OSHA, EPA, and FDA requirements, globally as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of FDA cGMP operating requirements, safety programs, and environmental regulations.
• Previous cellulose manufacturing experience.
• Experience in project engineering and capital project deployment.
• Six Sigma, Lean, or relevant continuous-improvement experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe work environment for site employees and visitors while complying with applicable local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations and company guidelines.
• Develop and manage the financial budget and production plan for site operations to meet business objectives.
• Develop and implement a strategic plan for the site that balances immediate needs with the company’s long-term goals.
• Identify continuous-improvement opportunities and facilitate initiatives to improve site profitability.
• Work with support organizations to resolve production and quality issues, improve efficiency, respond to customer complaints, and support on-time delivery of finished goods.
• Model positive leadership through open and effective communication, motivation, example setting, and best practices.
• Support a positive team environment in which members participate, respect, and cooperate to achieve desired results.

Benefits

• Industry-competitive salary and benefits.
• Pay-for-performance incentive plans.
• Opportunities for development and advancement throughout the global organization.
• A diverse work environment where employees feel challenged and valued.

What This Job Offers

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