Senior Plant Manager

Location: St. Louis, MO | Industry: Chemical Manufacturing | Reports To: Vice President of Operations

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Plant Manager to lead all manufacturing, operational, safety, quality, and financial activities for a chemical production facility in the St. Louis, MO area. This individual will drive operational excellence, ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations, and lead a high-performing team to achieve production, quality, and profitability goals. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in chemical manufacturing operations, demonstrated leadership experience, and a proven track record of implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all plant operations, including production, maintenance, engineering, quality, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Drive a culture of safety and ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, PSM, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support company objectives related to productivity, quality, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead and mentor plant leadership teams, fostering employee development, accountability, and engagement.
• Manage plant budgets, capital expenditures, and operational performance metrics.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Partner with engineering, supply chain, and commercial teams to optimize production planning and inventory management.
• Ensure reliability and maintenance programs are effectively executed to maximize equipment uptime and performance.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, productivity, and financial performance.
• Lead plant expansion, process improvement, and capital project initiatives as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including significant experience at the Director level or equivalent leadership role within a manufacturing environment.
• Chemical industry manufacturing experience is required.
• Strong knowledge of chemical production processes, safety management systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ERP systems.
• Proven ability to lead large teams and drive operational excellence in a complex manufacturing setting.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing plant budgets and capital projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Manufacturing Certification.
• Experience managing union and non-union workforces.
• Advanced degree (MBA, MS Engineering, or related field).

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Relocation assistance (if applicable)

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader with deep chemical industry expertise, a passion for continuous improvement, and the ability to build high-performing teams while maintaining world-class safety, quality, and operational standards. This individual will excel in a fast-paced environment and possess the strategic vision necessary to drive long-term plant performance and growth.