Sr. Director, Manufacturing

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Full Time Management Houston Office, Houston, TX, US

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and technically proficient Director of Manufacturing to provide leadership and operational oversight across eight chemical manufacturing facilities, including four plants under Sterling Specialty Chemicals (SSC) and four under Sterling Multi-Chem (SMC), one of which is located in Saudi Arabia.

Theidealcandidatewillhaveextensiveexperienceinchemicalmanufacturing,particularly polymers,surfactants,specialty chemicals,andchemicalformulations.

Thisindividualmustcombinestrongtechnicalknowledgewithexceptionalleadershipskillsandahands-onapproachtomanagingmulti-sitemanufacturingoperations.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring significant domestic and international travel, strong engagement with plant leadership, and a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence.

• Providestrategicandoperationalleadershipacrosseightchemicalmanufacturingfacilities,ensuringconsistentperformance,accountability,andoperationalexcellence.
• Lead,mentor,anddevelopplantmanagersandmanufacturingleadershipteams.
• Applystrongtechnicalknowledgeofpolymers,surfactants,chemical formulations,andmanufacturingprocessestosupportoperationsandresolvecomplexproductionchallenges.
• Driveimprovementsinsafety,quality,productivity,equipment reliability,manufacturing efficiency,andcostmanagement.
• EstablishandmonitoroperationalKPIs,budgets,andperformanceobjectivesacrossallfacilities.
• Partner with Engineering,R&D,Quality,andEHStooptimizechemicalmanufacturingprocesses,troubleshoottechnicalissues,andensureregulatorycompliance.
• Identifyopportunitiesforcontinuousimprovement,process standardization,andoperationalefficiencies.
• Maintainastrong,hands-onpresenceatmanufacturingfacilities,activelyengagingwithemployeesandplantleadership.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.

Required:

• Bachelor'sdegreein
  
  Chemical
  
  Engineering,Chemistry,oracloselyrelatedtechnicaldiscipline.
  
  Otherengineeringdegreesmaybeconsideredwithextensivespecialtychemicalmanufacturingexperience.
• Minimum
  10yearsofprogressivechemicalmanufacturingexperience;15+yearsstronglypreferred.
• Strongtechnicalproficiencyinpolymers,surfactants,specialtychemicalformulations,andchemicalprocessingoperations.
• Demonstratedabilitytocommunicateeffectivelywithchemists,chemical engineers,andtechnicalteamsregardingcomplexchemicalmanufacturingprocesses.
• Significantmanufacturingleadershipexperience,includingoversightofplantoperations,plant managers,ormultiplemanufacturingfacilities.
• Provensuccessindrivingoperationalimprovements,developing high-performing teams,anddeliveringmeasurableresults.
• Strongunderstandingofmanufacturingsafety,environmental compliance,process optimization,andcostmanagement.
• Excellent leadership,communication,decision-making,and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally, including Saudi Arabia.

• 15+yearsofchemicalmanufacturingexperiencewithatleastfiveyearsinseniorplantormulti-sitemanufacturingleadership.
• Directexperienceinpolymermanufacturing,surfactants,specialty chemicals,batch processing,orchemicalblending.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing ,Six Sigma,orothercontinuousimprovementmethodologies.

We are looking for a high-energy, hands-on leader who understands the chemistry behind the manufacturing process. This individual must be technically credible, comfortable discussing complex chemical processes with chemists and engineers, and capable of leading plant managers across multiple locations.

The successful candidate will be proactive, results-driven, and willing to spend significant time in our manufacturing facilities, building relationships, developing teams, and driving operational improvements.

This is not simply an operational oversight role. We need a leader who brings deep chemical manufacturing expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and the energy and commitment to drive results across all eight facilities.