Deputy Plant Manager - Renewable Diesel Refinery

SUMMARY: The Deputy Plant Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the facility. This position oversees the Operations, Logistics, and Wastewater departments, driving performance through strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Deputy Plant Manager supports plant-wide goals related to safety, quality, production, and environmental compliance, while mentoring department leaders and fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership to the Operations, Logistics, and Wastewater departments, ensuring alignment with plant objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and environmental stewardship by promoting best practices, auditing performance, and driving corrective actions.
• Collaborate with the Plant Manager to develop and execute operational plans that optimize production efficiency, resource utilization, and cost-effectiveness.
• Support the Operations Manager, Logistics Supervisor, and Wastewater personnel, ensuring effective leadership, workforce planning, and professional development across departments.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve process reliability, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, including wastewater treatment standards, reporting requirements, and permit conditions.
• Oversee inventory management, shipping/receiving operations, and supply chain coordination to support uninterrupted production.
• Facilitate communication between departments and senior leadership, providing regular updates on performance metrics, challenges, and improvement opportunities.
• Support capital projects, process modifications, and maintenance planning in collaboration with engineering and maintenance teams.
• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, root cause investigations, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain and enhance compliance with Process Safety Management (PSM), and QSH&E standards.
• Serve as acting Plant Manager in their absence, ensuring continuity of operations and decision-making.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor of Science degree with an engineering focus preferred; or five (5) years related experience and/or training in leadership roles; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years refinery or chemical manufacturing experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams across multiple departments with clarity, consistency, and accountability.
• Proven experience in coaching and developing frontline leaders.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to balance operational priorities and long-term strategic goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Capacity to lead under pressure and adapt to evolving operational needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift 50 pounds, move from place to place in all areas of production and climb ladders or platforms while wearing all required PPE and production-related equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work environment consists of office, plant production, and outside climate conditions.  Noise level varies within the production area.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday, working hours to be determined. Occasional extended hours, schedule changes, and on-call availability will be required to respond to operational needs, emergencies, or special circumstances.

WHY JOIN SEABOARD ENERGY?

• Traditional benefits include: competitive pay, affordable medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage, retirement savings plans for full-time and active employees, flexible spending accounts, life/AD&D insurance, family life insurance and employee assistance program.
• Other benefits: career training and advancement, discounted pork products, employee referral bonuses, wellness programs, annual family events and discount programs. 

ABOUT SEABOARD ENERGY

As a Seaboard Corporation company, we work collaboratively with the other Seaboard companies to promote sustainable energy projects, including but not limited to, the production of biodiesel and renewable diesel.