Production Supervisor

Solenis•Suffolk, VA

21d•$77,270 - $113,322•Onsite

About The Position

The VFA Shift Supervisor serves as the technical and operational leader for an assigned shift, using technical expertise and operations experience to support safe, efficient production. The role manages and develops approximately four to six direct reports and works closely with other shifts and site departments, including Maintenance, Lab, Engineering, Material Handling, and Planning, to drive continuous improvement, maximize equipment performance, and meet production targets. The position supports production goals through leadership, sound technical decision-making, and a commitment to safety, environmental performance, and continuous improvement. The role supports commissioning and startup of a new plant. It will eventually transition to a rotating 12-hour shift schedule; the first 1–2 years will be worked on a Monday–Friday daytime schedule.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and 3+ years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, or a high school diploma and 8+ years of experience in a chemical manufacturing environment.
Strong knowledge of hazardous chemical handling.
Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to follow direction, lead teams, and communicate across multiple departments.
Ability to perform physical activities including climbing stairs, prolonged walking, and bending as needed.
Ability to recognize safety hazards and coach employees in safe work practices.
Ability to remain clean-shaven for respirator use.
Willingness to join the emergency response team and participate in Incident Command training.

Nice To Haves

Deep understanding of and experience with chemical manufacturing process equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, and automation.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, SAP, Distributed Control Systems/PLCs (DeltaV), and Data Historians.

Responsibilities

Lead production activities for the assigned shift, providing technical guidance during commissioning and routine operations, resolving process issues, and developing operator capabilities.
Assist with commissioning and startup of the new plant, including hiring process operators, implementing commissioning plans, participating in or leading trainings, documenting safe work practices, and helping establish work rhythms.
Foster employee growth through training, coaching, and succession development.
Become a certified permit writer and support daily shift permits, including Safe Work, Hot Work, and Line Break permits for high-hazard materials.
Troubleshoot process, equipment operability, and quality issues; identify root causes and propose solutions.
Monitor team performance and provide coaching and corrective action when needed.
Support operator training, new equipment startup, and team development.
Promote and reinforce a strong Safety-First Culture across operations.
Make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Participate in EHS programs, site audits, safety committees, job safety analyses, and other site safety programs.
Create process orders and maintenance work orders in SAP.
Conduct routine rounds and actively participate in shift turnover.
Operate the plant to meet productivity and quality targets while following safety procedures and applicable regulations.
Maintain high housekeeping standards and be willing to join the emergency response team and complete Incident Command training.