Plant Manager

We are partnering with an established manufacturing organization to recruit an experienced Site Manager to lead operations at a specialty chemical manufacturing facility in Illinois.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on, people-focused leader who thrives in a complex manufacturing environment and has a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence, strengthen organizational performance, and build high-performing teams.

The successful candidate will have full accountability for site operations, with a strong focus on safety, equipment reliability, production efficiency, and continuous improvement. Equally important is the ability to establish credibility across all levels of the organization, foster a culture of accountability, and develop strong relationships with both hourly and salaried employees.

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for site operations, ensuring alignment with business objectives, safety standards, and operational targets.
• Champion a proactive safety culture, ensuring compliance with environmental, health, safety, and Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements.
• Drive improvements in equipment reliability, asset performance, production efficiency, and operational consistency.
• Establish and maintain effective operating practices, performance metrics, and accountability across a continuous manufacturing environment.
• Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing leadership team, fostering collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Develop constructive working relationships with employees and union representatives, promoting transparent communication and mutual accountability.
• Identify opportunities to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce unplanned downtime, and improve overall plant performance.
• Partner with maintenance, engineering, EHS, and other functional teams to establish and execute operational improvement initiatives.
• Manage site budgets, resource allocation, and capital improvement priorities while balancing safety, operational, and commercial objectives.
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the facility, engaging employees at all levels and reinforcing operational standards.

• Significant progressive leadership experience within chemical manufacturing, petrochemicals, polymers, or a related continuous-process manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience as a Site Manager, Plant Manager, Operations Manager, or in a comparable manufacturing leadership role.
• Demonstrated success improving manufacturing performance, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Strong working knowledge of industrial safety practices, including Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Experience leading teams within a unionized manufacturing environment, with an ability to build productive employee and labor relationships.
• Proven ability to develop leaders, establish accountability, and positively influence organizational culture.
• Strong business acumen, analytical capabilities, and experience managing operational budgets and performance metrics.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization and balance strategic priorities with hands-on operational leadership.

Beyond technical and operational experience, we're seeking a leader who brings:

• Visible, hands-on leadership: Someone who is comfortable being on the plant floor, engaging employees, and understanding day-to-day operational realities.
• A continuous improvement mindset: A track record of identifying operational challenges, implementing practical solutions, and delivering measurable results.
• Strong people leadership: The ability to build trust, coach teams, manage difficult conversations, and create an environment of shared accountability.
• Sound judgment and ownership: A leader who makes thoughtful decisions, takes responsibility for outcomes, and balances immediate priorities with long-term performance.
• A collaborative approach: Someone who can work effectively across functions and establish productive relationships with employees at every level.

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the performance and long-term success of an established manufacturing operation.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape operational strategy, strengthen site capabilities, develop talent, and lead initiatives…