Position Overview: The Plant Manager will be responsible for ensuring a safe, efficient, and high-performing production environment. The role involves managing personnel, overseeing plant operations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, cost-effectiveness, and quality. The Plant Manager will work closely with cross-functional teams to make the facility a great place to work, fostering employee engagement and career growth.

Primary Responsibilities

• Enforce safe manufacturing practices and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations
• Directly manage plant managers and develop a robust succession plan
• Build strong relationships with internal partners across commercial, marketing, operations, HR, supply chain, finance, and R&D
• Ensure on-time delivery of high-quality products that meet customer needs
• Lead initiatives to address customer issues and drive innovation
• Identify and implement manufacturing best practices
• Control costs through operational budget management and continuous improvement projects
• Manage workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management
• Oversee corrective action processes and support new product introductions
• Lead and prioritize projects to deliver quality results on time and on budget
• Foster strong communication and collaboration within a multicultural team

Functional Responsibilities

• Safety & Regulatory (30%): Provide EHS leadership, maintain regulatory compliance, and uphold 5S standards
• Human Resources (20%): Select, train, and develop staff while fostering a great work environment
• Functional Control (30%): Manage production operations, collaborate with supply chain, and support new product introductions
• Continuous Improvement (20%): Drive performance improvements, waste reduction, and capital budget management using Lean Six Sigma tools

Minimum Requirements

• BA/BS degree in Chemistry, Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering
• Minimum of 8 years in manufacturing with at least 5 years in progressive operations management
• Experience in the chemical industry
• Native Spanish speaker with bilingual proficiency in English
• Experience in greenfield projects and multinational companies
• Strong background in SAP or similar ERP systems
• Proven ability to work with unions and manage workplace policies
• Experience with OSHA 1910.119 PSM regulations and capital expenditure management.
• Familiarity with Lean Six Sigma methodologies
• Demonstrated success in leading facilities and managing large Cap-Ex projects
• Strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills
• Familiarity with ISO, TPM, and Zero-Defect methodologies

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA in Operations Management, Finance, or Accounting
• Experience in process control and quality control
• Basic proficiency in Portuguese
• Six Sigma certification (Green or Black Belt) with DFSS experience
• Expertise in continuous improvement techniques, including TQM, DMAIC, FMEA, and 5S