Shift Leader, Specialty Chemicals

Clariant•Louisville, KY

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Clariant is seeking a PPCAT Shift Leader for its Catalysts business unit in Louisville, Kentucky. Reporting to the Plant Superintendent, the Shift Leader leads 5–7 operators and coordinates daily shift activities to deliver safe and efficient production while meeting quality, cost, and scheduling requirements. The role provides hands-on leadership, develops operator capabilities, drives continuous improvement, and serves on the plant’s emergency response team. The position works 12-hour shifts on a modified rotating Pittman schedule, alternating between days and nights. Weekends, holidays, and overtime may also be required as needed.

Requirements

Associate degree or equivalent education from a college, university, or technical school, or more than five years of related experience and/or training.
Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with SAP and Microsoft Office.
Ability to calculate rates, ratios, and percentages and interpret production performance data.
Willingness to work 12-hour shifts on a modified rotating Pittman schedule, alternating days and nights, including weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed.
Ability to complete plant-specific and emergency response training.
Ability to wear required protective clothing and equipment, including respiratory protection and hazardous materials PPE.

Nice To Haves

More than two years of leadership experience.
Experience within the Catalysts business unit.

Responsibilities

Lead shift operations in compliance with environmental, safety, and health regulations, permits, and company standards.
Conduct safety discussions and production-floor walkthroughs, identify hazards, and take action to improve employee safety.
Plan, assign, and direct work according to production priorities, staffing needs, and operator capabilities.
Coordinate resources and production activities to meet targets for quantity, quality, cost, and delivery.
Monitor production quality, address process abnormalities, and implement corrective actions to improve First Pass Quality.
Reinforce operational discipline and adherence to company policies, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
Oversee operator training and development through coaching, constructive feedback, and performance improvement support.
Develop and update work instructions and standard operating procedures, and issue Safe Work Permits for daily activities.
Conduct shift handovers communicating operating conditions, production progress, safety concerns, and outstanding work.
Support manufacturing best practices, including 5S, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and operator skills matrices.
Lead shift performance discussions, monitor key performance indicators, and use structured problem-solving to drive continuous improvement.
Serve on the plant’s emergency response team in assigned capacities, including incident command, hazardous materials response, and firefighting.