Process Engineer Manager

Clariant•Louisville, KY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Process Engineer Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality operations within Clariant's Catalyst manufacturing facility in Louisville, KY. This role is responsible for driving process excellence across production, quality, ESHA compliance, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives while managing and mentoring a team of production and process engineers. Acting as Deputy Plant Manager, the Process Engineering Manager supports daily production priorities, leads cross-functional initiatives, and champions Clariant Excellence to enhance safety, performance, and operational reliability. Clariant welcomes candidates with established people-leadership experience as well as seasoned individual contributors who are ready to step into a formal leadership role and take on broader responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline
More than five years of experience in production, process improvement, and/or R&D within a chemical manufacturing environment
Solid experience in chemical operations with advanced knowledge of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, preferred
Prior leadership experience or strong readiness to take on leadership responsibility while working closely with engineers and cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

Ensure full compliance with ESHA regulations, permits, and Clariant policies; lead risk assessments and implement corrective and preventive actions
Champion ESHA and quality improvement initiatives, including participation in the LEM Organization as a technical expert or designated leader
Drive process optimization to improve safety, First Pass Quality (FPQ), efficiency, and cost performance through data-driven root cause analysis
Lead investigations into customer non-conformities (QNS) and implement sustainable corrective actions in collaboration with cross-functional teams
Serve as Deputy Plant Manager, supporting daily production monitoring, setting priorities, and making timely, accurate operational decisions
Lead, mentor, and develop Production Engineers, fostering strong technical capability, leadership effectiveness, and accountability
Coordinate the implementation of new products, processes, and technologies, including development of SOPs, work instructions, and training materials
Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Clariant Excellence tools, Lean Six Sigma methodologies, and KPI development and tracking
Drive automation and digitalization efforts and DCS/process automation, in partnership with engineering and maintenance teams
Support capital projects and maintenance activities, including process design, commissioning, and start-up of new or modified equipment