Operations Shift Manager

SUMMARY: The Shift Manager ensures the proper operation of the plant process equipment.  They provide leadership and direct supervision to the plant operators.  They oversee the production of budgeted amounts of products in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner in compliance with environmental laws. Shift Managers work closely with other department heads to organize resources to address inefficiencies in the process, mechanical failures, chemical inventory management, certification of finished products, and personnel management. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned at management’s discretion.

• Support and enforce health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) policies and procedures, addressing any concerns promptly and adhering to safe operating procedures for equipment and chemical handling
• Oversee all areas of biodiesel production, including utilities, wastewater, lab, and logistics, during safe startup, operation, and shutdown of the plant. This role will take full oversight responsibility when department managers are not on-site, such as after hours and on weekends, ensuring smooth and efficient plant operations
• Provide leadership and direct management for plant operators to ensure top performance and growth
• Ensure the highest standards of operational discipline and execution are maintained at all times
• Maintain accurate records and logs of activities, operating conditions, and report any changes in process/equipment performance
• Lead or actively participate in incident investigations and near-miss reporting, ensuring root cause analysis is completed and corrective actions are documented, tracked, and closed in a timely manner
• Serve as the primary point of contact for emergency response during the shift, including plant evacuations, chemical releases, and equipment failures, ensuring all personnel follow established emergency procedures
• Oversee and monitor contractors working on site during the shift, ensuring all work is performed safely and in compliance with Seaboard's safety standards and permitting requirements
• Coordinate with Logistics on product and co-product shipments, incoming feedstock deliveries, and storage availability, while ensuring required certification in accordance with BQ-9000 standards
• Promptly communicate to the Operations Superintendent any unplanned plant outages, major equipment failures, significant production losses, or situations requiring decisions beyond the scope of the Shift Manager's authority, ensuring leadership is informed and engaged in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct in all interactions, promoting a respectful and innovative work environment. Ensure that work areas are kept clean and free of clutter to maintain safety, efficiency, and well-organized workspaces throughout the plant
• Manage Operations personnel under the direction of the Operations Superintendent
• Carry out managerial responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include training employees, planning, assigning, directing work and resolving problems
• Ensure operators maintain high quality Safe Work Permits through routine audits
• Actively participate in shift change meetings, providing information on activities, concerns, and any outstanding issues to ensure the oncoming shift is fully informed and prepared
• Ensure work requests are submitted in appropriate maintenance management software and ensure all maintenance work is done in accordance with established safety rules
• Collaborate with the Operations Management System (OMS) Coordinator to deliver continuous training to technicians in all operating areas and maintain documentation to track progress to achieve proficiency in any area assigned
• Understand, support, and help implement/maintain the Operations Management System, Standard Operating Procedures, and BQ-9000 compliance
• Understand, support, and help implement HS&E goals and objectives, and on-going improvement plans and activities
• Drive company goals and initiatives through proven leadership skills and regular communication with plant personnel
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty/function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the work environment, knowledge, skills, and/or ability required or preferred.  Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions as listed below.

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Ability to effectively communicate in meetings with all levels of plant personnel
• Strong attention to detail and aptitude for sustained focus required
• Ability to lead a team by example and support others in their professional development, especially in high-performance or safety-critical environments
• Ability to read and write clear, accurate and concise reports using standard Microsoft Office programs
• Associate degree in process technology or related STEM field preferred
• Previous experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, especially in a process control or operator capacity preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of chemical process safety, including safe handling procedures for hazardous materials, is strongly preferred
• Certifications in process operations, equipment maintenance, or safety-related fields (e.g., OSHA, Hazardous Materials Handling) are highly desirable
• Familiar with product quality program, for example BQ-9000, ISO-9001, HACCP
• Basic mechanical skills and understanding of plant equipment to perform routine checks, troubleshoot issues, and assist with minor repairs and preventative maintenance preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: This position is primarily operational and requires significant physical activity. The role involves frequent walking, standing, and stair climbing, along with lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs. Employees will regularly perform pushing, pulling, bending, stooping, kneeling, and climbing. Work is often conducted in outdoor environments and variable weather conditions, with exposure to elements such as heat, cold, and moisture. Adequate visual acuity for reading and monitoring equipment, as well as effective communication skills for verbal and written interactions, are essential. Employees must be able to wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) for their work areas.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work environment is based on assigned units of a manufacturing plant, with frequent mobility through all areas of production. This position will be exposed to all outside climate conditions.  The noise level varies widely within different areas of production.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: This is a scheduled rotating shift of 7 days on/7 days off then 7 nights on/7 nights off working Thursday to Wednesday, 12-hours shifts. Day shift: 6 AM to 6 PM. Night shift: 6 PM to 6 AM. Designated on-call shifts, and changes in schedule will be required as operational need dictates.

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.