Operations Unit Manager

6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

This range is provided by Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$/yr - $/yr

• Annual Bonus
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Kelly Engineering is seeking a DIRECT HIRE - Unit Operations Manager to join one of our leading clients in the Chemical Manufacturing industry at their Georgetown, SC location.

Please apply to learn more!

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field strongly preferred (equivalent experience considered).
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial chemical manufacturing; prior leadership or supervisory experience highly desired.
• In‑depth knowledge of chemical processing equipment and utilities (reactors, dryers, conveyors, hot oil systems, chillers, cryogenic systems, heat exchangers, etc.).

• Lead daily operations of a chemical manufacturing unit with full accountability for production volume, team performance, and product quality.
• Directly manage a team of 20+ operators and technicians in a fast‑paced batch production environment producing powder thickeners.
• Ensure consistent compliance with ISO 9001, internal quality systems, and customer specifications.
• Oversee and optimize hands‑on operate reactors, dryers, hoppers, conveying systems, packaging lines, and utility systems (hot oil, chillers, cryogenic units, heat exchangers).
• Drive process optimization using SPC, SQC, and Gantt‑based production tracking.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions (OOS, CAPA, and deviation events).
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives in efficiency, cost reduction, yield, and 5S/housekeeping standards.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Quality Assurance, Engineering, EHS, R&D/Technology, Logistics, and Maintenance teams.
• Actively participate in Management of Change (MOC), HAZOP studies, and plant safety programs.
• Develop team members through training, performance evaluations, and accountability measures.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field strongly preferred (equivalent experience considered).
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial chemical manufacturing; prior leadership or supervisory experience highly desired.
• In‑depth knowledge of chemical processing equipment and utilities (reactors, dryers, conveyors, hot oil systems, chillers, cryogenic systems, heat exchangers, etc.).
• Proven track record with ISO 9001 quality systems and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, troubleshoot in real time, and deliver results in a high‑output manufacturing setting.
• Experience with process optimization tools (SPC/SQC), preventive maintenance programs, and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Full‑time onsite role at our chemical manufacturing campus in Georgetown, South Carolina (beautiful coastal location between Charleston and Myrtle Beach).
• On‑call availability required to support 24/7 production needs.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Engineering and Management

• Chemical Manufacturing

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom by 2x

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)

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