Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Chemical Manufacturing

South Arkansas | On-site | Full-time, Direct Hire

MK Search is partnering with a well-established, publicly listed chemicals and energy company on a key leadership hire for a new chemical manufacturing plant in South Arkansas.

This is a chance to lead operations at a site from the early stages. The plant is built around a distillation-based process that handles hazardous chemicals, under OSHA PSM. As Operations Manager you'll shape the safety culture, the operating standards and the team from the ground up. The site will have around 35 people when fully built out, so you'll be visible, close to the process and hands-on.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead site operations with a strong focus on safety, environmental compliance, quality and cost control

• Drive continuous improvement across safety performance, operating costs, material variances, capital projects and lean manufacturing

• Coach and develop field supervisors and team leads in incident investigation, root cause analysis and corrective actions

• Build and deliver training on safe work practices, job safety analysis (JSEA), incident reporting and company safety programs

• Meet or beat targets for production output, on-time shipping, yield and operating costs

• Plan and staff operations to keep the plant fully covered and running without interruption

• Work closely with engineering, maintenance, supply chain, quality and HSE to keep the plant safe, efficient and reliable

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• BS in Chemical Engineering (required)

• 6–10+ years in a chemical or process manufacturing environment

• Experience at an OSHA PSM-covered plant (required)

• Distillation and/or hazardous or toxic chemical experience is highly valued

• A leader who stays technically hands-on – step-up candidates currently in Production Superintendent, Area Manager or Production Leader roles are welcome

• Comfortable living and working in a rural location, with around 20% travel

• Valid driver's license and willingness to complete pre-employment background, medical and drug screening

WHAT'S ON OFFER

• Competitive base salary and bonus

• Sign-on bonus to support relocation

• The chance to build a plant and team from an early stage within a stable, growing organization