Production Manager

About the role

As a Production Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a high-performing chemical manufacturing operation. This is more than a plant leadership position. It is an opportunity to influence business strategy, drive operational excellence, lead transformational initiatives, and develop a culture where people, safety, and performance thrive. In this highly visible leadership role, you'll have the autonomy to make meaningful decisions, champion continuous improvement, and partner with cross-functional teams to bring new products and technologies from development to commercial success. Your leadership will directly impact employee engagement, customer satisfaction, operational performance, and the long-term growth of the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of plant safety, environmental, health, and regulatory compliance, fostering a culture where safety is the top priority.
• Provide strategic leadership for production operations, aligning site objectives with business goals and long-term growth strategies.
• Drive performance against key metrics, including cost, asset reliability, productivity, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Manage operating budgets, identify cost savings opportunities, and ensure responsible stewardship of plant resources.
• Develop and empower teams through coaching, performance management, succession planning, training, and leadership development.
• Ensure strong operating discipline, standardized work processes, and quality systems that support customer requirements and certification standards.
• Partner with Supply Chain, Commercial, Engineering, Process Technology, and Pilot Plant teams to resolve issues, support innovation, and deliver business results.
• Lead capital planning and project execution activities that improve safety, maintain equipment reliability, and enable future growth.
• Support new product scale-up, process development, and commercialization efforts to capture emerging business opportunities.
• Serve as an active member of the Avon Lake Leadership Team, helping shape site strategy and organizational success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from an accredited university.
• 10 or more years of experience in process engineering, manufacturing operations, or operations management within the chemical industry.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams, operations, and business performance.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing excellence, process safety management, quality systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and stakeholders in a dynamic production environment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills with the ability to engage all levels of an organization.
• Strong planning, organizational, problem solving, and presentation skills.
• Self-driven, results-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.

Preferred qualifications

• Completion of a formal leadership development program.
• Experience leading capital projects, project implementation, and cross functional project management initiatives.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2015, EFfCI standards, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) environments.

Work environment

Depending on your role, your work environment may include:

• Standing, walking, or operating equipment for extended periods
• Working in a lab or manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE provided
• Use of computers and digital tools in an office or hybrid environment
• Occasional lifting or movement of materials
• Adherence to rigorous safety protocols and ergonomic standards

We continuously invest in our facilities and technologies to ensure they support your well-being, productivity, and growth. If you require reasonable accommodation, we are committed to working with you to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonus plans
• 401(k) match + Age-Weighted Defined Contribution
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Paid holidays, vacation, and parental leave
• Flexible work environment
• Learning and development opportunities
• Career and professional growth
• Inclusive culture and vibrant community engagement