Production Superintendent

About the role

The Acid & Nitrates Operations Superintendent is accountable for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Nitric Acid and Ammonium Nitrate units. This role provides direct leadership to shift supervisors and operators while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and process safety management (PSM) requirements.

Responsibilities

• Safety & Environmental Stewardship
• Ensure strict compliance with all PSM, OSHA, EPA, and environmental permit requirements.
• Lead process safety risk reduction efforts, including MOC reviews, PHAs, incident investigations, and corrective action follow-up.
• Drive a strong safety culture through visible field leadership and coaching.
• Operational Excellence
• Deliver production targets while maintaining product quality specifications.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including rates, efficiencies, environmental performance, and reliability metrics.
• Identify and eliminate operational constraints through structured problem-solving and root cause analysis.
• Partner with maintenance to prioritize reliability improvements and minimize downtime.
• Leadership & Team Development
• Provide direct leadership and accountability for shift supervisors and process engineers.
• Develop and maintain operator qualification and certification programs.
• Coach supervisors and operators to strengthen technical depth and decision-making confidence.
• Lead performance management, workforce planning, and succession development within assigned areas.
• Technical Expertise & Troubleshooting
• Serve as the primary operational authority for Acid and Nitrates process systems.
• Lead response during abnormal operating conditions and significant process upsets.
• Support engineering initiatives, capital projects, and turnaround planning activities.
• Ensure operating procedures are accurate, current, and reflect best practices.
• Continuous Improvement & Documentation
• Maintain operational standards, procedures, and training documentation.
• Lead or participate in root cause investigations and ensure sustainable corrective actions.
• Support plant-wide initiatives focused on cost reduction, reliability, and process optimization.

Requirements

While not specified, candidates should have a strong background in chemical operations, process safety management, and leadership experience in a similar role. A bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field is preferred, along with relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel as needed. Must also meet the physical demands of the position, including the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work in various weather conditions.

Skills

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Proven ability to drive continuous improvement and process optimization.
• Experience with process safety management and risk reduction.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

LSB offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth and development. The company also supports a healthy work-life balance with flexible scheduling options and a supportive corporate culture.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

The position is full-time with a standard Monday through Friday schedule, with occasional weekend work required for critical operations.