Production Manager - Smyrna

Position Summary

The Plant Manager is accountable for the overall performance of the Smyrna facility, including production execution, maintenance and reliability, quality systems, inventory and shipping, and capital/project execution. This leader will build strong teams, establish operational discipline, and drive measurable improvements in safety, uptime, yield, and cost while ensuring full compliance with OSHA/EPA and internal standards.

Key Responsibilities

Safety, Environmental & Compliance (Top Priority)

- Lead with a zero-incident mindset, setting expectations and ensuring safe work practices across all departments. - Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local/state regulations; maintain readiness for audits/inspections. - Champion process safety where applicable (e.g., PSM/RMP awareness, MOC discipline, incident investigations, corrective actions). - Drive training effectiveness (LOTO, hazard communication, confined space, hot work, forklift, PPE, etc.). - Own and improve site metrics including TRIR, near misses, corrective action closure rates, and safety observations.

Operations Leadership

- Deliver production plans while meeting or exceeding quality, service, and cost targets. - Lead daily/weekly operating rhythm: tier meetings, Gemba walks, KPI reviews, problem-solving. - Optimize staffing, shift coverage, and cross-training to ensure reliable execution. - Partner with Supply Chain to manage raw material availability, inventory levels, and finished goods shipment performance.

Maintenance & Reliability

- Oversee preventive/predictive maintenance strategy to improve OEE, uptime, and asset reliability. - Reduce unplanned downtime through root cause analysis (RCA), disciplined work order processes, and planning/scheduling. - Manage critical spares, contractor performance, and reliability KPIs (MTBF/MTTR where applicable). - Ensure mechanical integrity practices are followed for critical equipment.

Quality & Technical Performance

- Ensure compliance with site quality systems (ISO or internal QMS where applicable). - Maintain product conformity through strong controls: batch records, QC testing, deviations, CAPA, and change control. - Partner with R&D/Technical teams on new products, scale-ups, and continuous improvements.

Continuous Improvement & Financial Performance

- Drive continuous improvement using Lean/Six Sigma tools to improve yield, throughput, cycle time, cost per unit, and waste reduction. - Develop and manage plant budgets (labor, maintenance, overhead), delivering cost targets and productivity goals. - Identify and execute capital projects; manage scope, timeline, and ROI. - Use data to manage performance and sustain gains through standard work and accountability.

People Leadership

- Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and development—hire, coach, and develop leaders and frontline teams. - Conduct performance reviews, succession planning, and training plans. - Lead labor relations effectively if a union environment exists (optional—include if applicable).

Success Metrics (Example Outcomes)

- Improved safety performance (TRIR reduction, audit findings closed on time) - Increased plant uptime/OEE and reduced unplanned downtime - Improved on-time delivery and production schedule attainment - Reduced cost per unit via yield improvement, waste reduction, and energy optimization - Sustained compliance with EHS/Quality standards and strong audit performance

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemistry, or related field (or equivalent experience). - 7+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including chemical or process manufacturing. - 3+ years leading a plant/large department with accountability for safety, production, and maintenance outcomes. - Strong understanding of EHS compliance and controls in a regulated manufacturing environment. - Demonstrated success driving KPI improvements (safety, uptime, throughput, cost, quality). - Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels.