Chemical Operations Manager

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As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world‑changing innovations to their end markets.

The Chemical Operations Manager reports to the Plant Manager and has primary responsibility for planning, directing and coordinating the production activities and resources necessary for manufacturing chemical adhesives in the Houston, TX facility. This position is also responsible for assembling/packaging for consumer use and has a shared responsibility for maintenance.

The Chemical Operations Manager will be responsible for 1st shift production, 3 team lead direct reports, and 40‑50 indirect reports. They will also manage daily plant operations to ensure safety, volume, cost, and quality standards are met and ensure adequate resources to meet production schedules and safety procedures are consistently followed or exceeded.

• Lead daily plant operations with a hands‑on approach to meet site goals in quality, SIFOT, customer satisfaction, and production schedules
• Champion a zero‑defect culture in EHS, quality, and productivity through Operational Discipline (OD)
• Promote and coach a quality‑first mindset, emphasizing error‑proofing, continuous improvement, and team development
• Apply Lean principles and visual management tools to drive improvements in safety, quality, and productivity
• Review production demands to determine staffing needs and support safety stock levels
• Develop and implement efficient production flow strategies
• Leverage knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and cost management
• Enforce company policies while coaching and developing production staff
• Provide daily support to shift managers and resolve operational issues
• Serve as backup to the Plant Manager and oversee operational activities as needed
• Achieve annual safety goals and maintain a strong safety culture
• Own operational health and safety responsibilities and support EHS documentation
• Participate in weekly Tier 3 meetings and address underperforming KPIs
• Address employee concerns in partnership with HR
• Lead semi‑annual physical inventory process
• Drive continuous improvement in housekeeping and 5S+1 standards
• Collaborate with Supply Chain to meet SIFOT targets
• Monitor and control departmental spending in alignment with budget

• Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineering
• 5+ years of management experience in a manufacturing environment with multiple shifts
• 3+ years of experience with KPI reporting and presentations
• PSM experience, including high hazard operations
• In-depth knowledge of chemical plant operations and industry regulations
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Microsoft Office and SAP experience
• Demonstrated proficiency in innovation, accountability, performance excellence, change and risk taking, customer focus, and teamwork

• BS degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering
• Proven experience as a chemical plant operations manager or similar role
• Strong knowledge of inventory control methods and project management techniques
• 1+ years of project management experience
• 1+ year experience with ISO 9001 or higher quality management system

This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship. Applicants must have U.S. work authorization that does not now or in the future require H.B. Fuller sponsorship of a work visa to work for H.B. Fuller.

The salary for this role is $130,000 - $150,000.

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and…