Hickory - Plant Manager

Milliken and Company•Owensboro, KY

About The Position

This role manages the manufacturing facility to ensure ethical, safe, and efficient operations, delivering quality products on time. Responsibilities include engaging employees to boost efficiency, reduce costs, foster continuous improvement, and implement capital projects for safety, sustainability, infrastructure, cost reduction, new product development, and business growth. Based at the Chemical site in Owensboro, Kentucky, the Plant Manager reports to the Vice President of Operations in Spartanburg, South Carolina and oversees 11 managers and 35 hourly employees under a collective bargaining agreement. The plant generally operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. However, production can extend into the weekend occasionally.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
Minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical manufacturing or a comparable industry
Minimum of 4 years leading both managerial staff and hourly employees
Expertise in capital planning and controlling capital expenditures
Proven proficiency in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Operational Excellence, Safety, and continuous improvement initiatives
Outstanding communication and active listening abilities
Strong leadership capability, complemented by excellent communication, strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to gather and assess data from multiple sources to inform decisions and align teams with the organization's strategic goals; possesses financial acumen to enhance efficiency in material usage, plant costs, and volume management

Nice To Haves

Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
Working knowledge of ISO 9001 Quality and Responsible Care 14001 Standards
Prior Plant Manager experience
Experience working with and managing a unionized workforce

Responsibilities

Uphold the company’s principles of integrity and ethical conduct at all times.
Assume responsibility for achieving high standards in safety, industrial hygiene, environmental stewardship, and quality performance.
Foster a culture of safety and collaboration through active associate engagement.
Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations while pursuing continuous sustainability improvements.
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of compliance obligations related to CFR 1910.119 (Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals).
Oversee delivery of the Supply Plan in alignment with the organisation’s Integrated Business Planning (IBP) framework.
Utilise available resources to drive ongoing enhancements across operational areas, including safety, sustainability, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency.
Maintain an effective Daily Management System to monitor and report key operational performance indicators (KPIs), and prepare for periodic reviews with business and divisional leadership.
Support the strategic objectives and initiatives of the businesses served by the facility.
Develop and implement processes for scaling up and integrating new products.
Administer labor relations in accordance with Company policies and the collective bargaining agreement.
Manage inventory levels within established parameters to meet short-term and seasonal sales requirements.
Recruit, train, and release personnel as necessary to satisfy sales targets, adhering to approved budgets and standard costs.
Provide effective leadership and management to direct reports, including performance management (objective setting and adjustment, offering timely feedback and recognition, coaching for performance improvement or maintenance, conducting performance reviews and salary planning), career development (regular discussions with employees regarding personal growth, development, and career aspirations), and cultivating transparent and trusting relationships that encourage high employee engagement and performance.