Ironwood - Plant Manager

POSITION TITLE   

Plant Manager, Ironwood (Portage, WI) 

POSITION OVERVIEW 

This role oversees the safe, ethical, and efficient operation of the chemical manufacturing facility to ensure customers receive quality products on time. The Plant Manager will engage employees to improve efficiency, lower costs, and build a culture of continuous improvement. In partnership with the site team and resources across the company, this position will lead capital projects that strengthen health, safety, and sustainability, address infrastructure needs, reduce costs, support new product development, and expand capacity to meet business demand. Based at the Encapsys site in Portage, Wisconsin, near Madison, this position reports to the Director of Operations for Encapsys. The Plant Manager provides leadership for approximately 10 managers, including 4 direct reports, and 75 site employees. Portions of the plant operate on a 24/7 schedule, while other areas run 24 hours a day, 5 days a week, with occasional weekend production. The site is currently undergoing a capital expansion project and requires strong leadership to support this growth. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Demonstrate the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct in representing the company 

• Maintain high standards in safety, industrial hygiene, environmental stewardship, and quality 

• Foster a culture of safety and teamwork through employee engagement 

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental requirements while advancing sustainability efforts 

• Ensure timely delivery of products that meet customer quality requirements 

• Leverage resources to continuously improve safety, sustainability, quality, delivery, cost, and operational efficiency 

• Implement a Daily Management System to track and report key operational KPIs and review them as needed with business and division leadership 

• Support the strategic plans and objectives of the businesses the plant serves 

• Develop processes to scale and implement new products 

• Manage labor relations in accordance with company policies 

• Maintain inventory within established limits to support short-term and seasonal demand 

• Prepare and maintain records needed to manage and control operations 

• Hire, train, and adjust staffing as needed to meet sales demand within budget and standard cost targets 

• Provide strong leadership to direct reports through performance management, timely feedback and recognition, coaching, performance reviews, salary planning, career development discussions, and relationship-building that drives engagement and results 

• Key Experience includes: 

• • Plant leadership of a manufacturing organization, preferably in the chemical industry
  • Process improvement and engineering
  • Capital project management
  • Process Safety Management
  • Talent acquisition and development 

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED 

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering 

• 10+ years of experience leading managers and hourly employees in a chemical or similar manufacturing environment 

• Project management experience involving the installation of new equipment, such as reactors and systems, within an existing facility using capital expenditure funding 

• Previous management experience in a manufacturing environment 

• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Operational Excellence, safety, and continuous improvement practices 

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business publications, technical procedures, and government regulations 

• Excellent communication and active listening skills 

• Strong leadership skills supported by excellent communication, strategic planning, organization, and problem-solving abilities 

• Demonstrated ability to evaluate data from multiple sources, make informed decisions, align teams with strategic goals, and apply financial acumen to improve material usage, plant costs, and volume management 

QUALIFICATIONS - PREFERRED 

• Working knowledge of ISO Quality and Environmental Standards 

• 6 Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt 

• Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering 

• Experience working in PSM regulated facilities

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