Production Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW

This role is responsible for leading the Boiler House / Utilities (BHU) and Wastewater Treatment operations at the site. The Production Manager ensures the safe, reliable, and cost-effective delivery of steam, power, water, and environmental compliance. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, sound technical judgment, and the ability to solve problems using data and structured thinking. This leader will foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork while supporting Ascend to Excellence (A2E) principles in a practical and results-oriented manner.

• Lead a safe operations area utilizing Absolute Zero safety principles.
• Ensure reliable delivery of utilities (steam, power, water) to support site operations.
• Maintain full compliance and strong performance in wastewater treatment operations.
• Deliver year-over-year improvements in energy efficiency and cost performance.
• Establish and sustain effective work processes for operations, reliability, and environmental compliance.
• Build a high-performing team with clear accountability and strong engagement.

Operations Director

Leadership & People Development:
Build and develop a high-performing operations team across Boiler House, Utilities, Cogeneration, and Wastewater units. Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback, and hold team members accountable. Promote a culture of safety, ownership, and continuous improvement. Ensure employees have the tools, training, and direction needed to succeed.

Environmental, Safety & Health:
Ensure compliance with all environmental permits, PSM requirements, and corporate standards. Own wastewater treatment performance and regulatory compliance. Drive strong safety and environmental performance using leading and lagging indicators. Support site initiatives related to ISO 9001 and RC 14000 compliance.

Productivity & Quality Control:
Improve efficiency across steam, power, water, and fuel systems. Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities using structured problem-solving tools. Ensure quality control systems are followed and measurements are accurate and maintained. Coordinate with supply chain and other production units to meet business commitments.

Financial Controls:
Develop complete knowledge of the cost drivers for the manufacturing units and be responsible for meeting budgeted and forecasted cost targets. Use A2E process to drive performance and achieve best available cost position in the areas of materials usage (yield) and conversion costs. Drive energy optimization through alignment with energy procurement teams, efficiency initiatives, and EEE support to maximize profitability for Decatur.

Will be site contact for energy procurement and focal point for energy optimization initiatives.

Team Responsibilities:
Responsible for BHU (Boiler House / Utilities) operations team performance and lead overall performance of the BHU and wastewater operations teams. Partner with maintenance, engineering, and environmental teams to ensure reliable operation. Support development of supervisors, engineers, and operators.

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering required; advanced degree is a plus.
• Eight to ten years of experience in chemical manufacturing within a PSM-covered plant, including leadership experience.
• Experience with utilities systems such as boilers, cogeneration, or wastewater treatment is strongly preferred.

Six Sigma/Lean training/exposure is considered a plus, but not a requirement.

• Proactive leadership and team-building skills with the ability to create alignment and work effectively throughout the organization in a team based, fast paced environment.
• Proactive, forward-thinking leadership with a demonstrated ability to anticipate issues, challenge the status quo, and drive improved outcomes.
• Ability to influence, motivate, and align teams across all levels of the organization.
• Strong understanding of safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to apply structured problem-solving and data-driven decision making.
• Strong financial and cost management awareness.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general business systems.
• Working knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma concepts with the ability to apply tools where appropriate.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.