Plant Manager

Water Technologies•Bakersfield, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and driven Chemical Plant Manager to lead our Bakersfield, CA manufacturing facility — a critical production hub serving the East and Central U.S. regions. Our facility produces specialty chemicals used in industrial water treatment applications, supporting industries that depend on clean, safe, and sustainable water systems. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who thrives on operational excellence, team development, and continuous improvement. If you are passionate about doing meaningful work that contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable world, this opportunity is for you. You will oversee a workforce of approximately 60 employees and hold full accountability for the safe, efficient, and profitable operation of the plant — spanning EHS, Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations. KEY CHARACTERISTICS: Safety-First Leader – Uncompromising commitment to EHS compliance and building a culture where every employee goes home safe. Operationally Driven – A hands-on problem solver who relentlessly pursues efficiency, quality, and on-time delivery. Strategically Minded – Able to balance the demands of today's production floor with the vision and planning required to grow the site for tomorrow.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline
7–10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 3–5 years in a plant or operations manager role within a chemical, specialty chemical, or process manufacturing environment
Demonstrated knowledge of chemical manufacturing processes, including handling of hazardous materials and compliance with applicable regulations
Proven track record of P&L ownership and managing multi-million dollar operating budgets
Strong working knowledge of EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA, CalOSHA) in a chemical manufacturing context
Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing tools and driving measurable operational improvements
Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and inspire cross-functional teams of 50+ employees
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Excellent communication skills — able to effectively engage with frontline employees, peers, and executive leadership

Nice To Haves

Experience in water treatment chemical manufacturing or related specialty chemical sectors
Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems
Experience managing capital projects and site expansions
MBA or advanced degree in a relevant discipline

Responsibilities

Serve as the site's top safety champion, ensuring full compliance with all federal, state, and local EHS regulations, including EPA, OSHA, CalOSHA, and RCRA requirements applicable to chemical manufacturing
Drive a zero-incident safety culture through proactive hazard identification, risk assessments, safety audits, and employee engagement programs
Oversee proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous chemicals in accordance with all regulatory requirements
Partner with corporate EHS to implement company-wide safety initiatives and ensure timely reporting of incidents, near-misses, and corrective actions
Maintain all required environmental permits and ensure ongoing regulatory compliance
Direct and optimize day-to-day plant operations to meet production schedules, quality standards, and customer delivery commitments
Review production demand forecasts to make informed decisions regarding inventory levels, staffing requirements, work procedures, and duty assignments
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including production output, yield, downtime, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), and cost per unit
Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and waste through the application of Lean Manufacturing principles (5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, etc.)
Ensure On-Time Delivery (OTD) performance consistently meets or exceeds customer and regional sales expectations
Develop, manage, and be accountable for the site's annual operating budget, including labor, materials, overhead, and capital expenditures
Approve expenditures for supplies, raw materials, and human resources while ensuring resources are deployed efficiently to meet production targets
Analyze financial performance data, identify variances, and implement corrective actions to maintain cost controls and profitability
Develop and execute the annual capital budget, including equipment upgrades, facility improvements, and capacity expansion projects
Provide accurate financial forecasting and reporting to corporate leadership
Develop and execute a 5-year strategic plan for the Bakersfield facility, encompassing workforce development, capital investment, capacity planning, and operational capability
Translate the long-term site strategy into actionable annual operating plans with measurable milestones and accountability
Lead or oversee site expansion projects from planning through commissioning, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget
Contribute to broader corporate business strategy by providing site-level insights on capacity, capability, market trends, and operational risks
Provide direct leadership and strategic direction to the following departments: Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Quality Assurance/Quality Control Engineering Maintenance Production/Operations
Recruit, develop, coach, and retain top talent; build a high-performing, engaged workforce that reflects the company's values
Establish clear performance expectations, conduct regular performance reviews, and implement development plans for direct reports and their teams
Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive work environment that positions the company as an employer of choice in the Bakersfield market
Drive employee engagement through transparent communication, recognition programs, and meaningful career development opportunities
Serve as the primary site liaison and maintain strong working relationships with the following corporate functions: EHS – regulatory compliance, incident management, and program alignment Human Resources – talent acquisition, employee relations, and workforce planning Finance – budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting Product Management – product specifications, formulation changes, and new product introductions Sales – customer commitments, capacity planning, and regional demand alignment Engineering – capital projects, process improvements, and technical support Procurement & Materials Planning – raw material sourcing, supply chain reliability, and inventory management
Communicate plant performance, risks, and opportunities clearly and consistently to corporate leadership
Ensure all products manufactured at the Bakersfield facility meet or exceed customer quality specifications and internal quality standards
Oversee the site's quality management system and drive a culture of right-first-time production
Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes for quality escapes or customer complaints
Collaborate with Quality and Product Management teams to support new product qualifications and process validations