Operations Manager - Verdant Specialty Solutions, Inc.

About Verdant Specialty Solutions

Verdant Specialty Solutions is a global specialty chemical company. Its customers include world-leading personal care and home care brands, energy solutions providers, and industrial companies. Verdant’s vision is to be the go-to provider of batch specialty surfactant-based chemistry for applications in the consumer and industrial markets. Based in Houston, the company has nine locations in the US and Europe. Verdant’s international team of 280 employees are committed to safety, quality, and supply reliability.

Why Join Verdant? Opportunities for growth Verdant is a fast-growing company that has the spirit of a small business. The company was formed in May 2021, so every employee plays an important role in culture and performance. It offers a dynamic ‘start up’ atmosphere with opportunities for professional growth.

Committed to safety Despite having the spirit of a small business, Verdant rivals against larger companies in its commitment to safety. Verdant prides itself on industry-leading environmental, safety, health, and quality standards. At Verdant, there is no priority higher than safety.

About the position The Operations Manager would be responsible for managing the operations activities at the University Park plant while driving continuous improvement culture with ultimate goal of safely increasing plant capacity in line with the site roadmap while controlling fixed costs. The Operations Manager will ensure that all products are produced, packaged, stored, and shipped safely, on schedule, and meet all quality specifications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure compliance with all legal and company requirements.
• Develop and implement HSE objectives to drive continuous improvement.
• Administer plant and corporate policies to ensure a safe work environment.
• Support incident-free culture and drive to HSE Excellence through a continuous focus on safety, security, and environmental responsibility.
• Manage site training programs for government-mandated and company-required training.
• Review all safety, environmental, and security incidents. Develop corrective actions, and follow-up to prevent reoccurrence through root cause analysis.
• Sets standards for performance against HSE policies and procedures and hold employees accountable for performance against those standards.
• Enforce all HSE rules, production work instructions, and housekeeping standards.
• May serve as the Emergency Response incident commander or backup as needed in emergencies.
• Create/Support safe DCON and LOTO of Equipment for Maintenance Wors.

Production Management:

• Develop plans to allow and manage unit operations to enable the site to meet the business targets in a cost-effective and safe manner.
• Ensures resources are in place to meet the objectives set by the Supply Chain team and/or business enterprise.

Human Resources:

• Ensure compliance with all legal, corporate, and plant requirements.
• Perform Performance and Development Reviews on Subordinates
• Ensure that all department staff (hourly and salaried) receive training and development (e.g. Operator Progression etc.)
• Maintain effective relations with the Union through open communication.
• Work with Union and Management to address and resolve grievances.
• Responsible for hiring, termination, and discipline of employees as needed.
• Oversee and contribute to the onboarding and 90-day new hire integration program for new Production/Warehouse Supervisors, Chemical Operators, and Material Handlers
• In partnership with Human Resources create annual development plans
• Meet with Production/Warehouse Supervisors quarterly to discuss site KPI achievement and give and receive feedback

Quality and Continuous Improvement:

• Support / adhere to all quality system requirements, including ISO 9001, European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI) Good Manufacturing Practices and Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), consistent with Manufacturing Excellence and HSSE Management Systems as it relates to this position.
• Monitor and improve unit performance, with respect to OEE, First Shot Right, Customer Complaint Rate, and OTIF.
• Identify root causes and implement corrective action for quality and reliability issues.

Finance:

• Responsible for developing, administering, and tracking plant production expenses.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and/or Engineering or 15 years experience in the Chemical industry or other related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• At least ten (10) years of experience in the chemical processing industry with supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of lean tools, implementation, and ongoing development of WCM or Manufacturing Excellence processes. Good interpersonal skills with experience interacting with other departments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong leadership skills and demonstrated ability to develop a workforce through reward and recognition (ISMEC), corrective action, and progressive discipline
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and react to changing priorities
• Ability to assess, prioritize, and resolve plant issues
• Proficient computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office, Teams, and SharePoint Documents
• Competent in or able to learn ERP systems (SAP, IFS, Chempax, etc…)
• Understanding of OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulations
• Understanding of plant waste handling and shipping requirements (RCRA)
• Knowledgeable on loading/unloading operations for bulk liquid tankers, and railcars
• Knowledgeable in a batch-making process using reactors with heating/cooling and pressure/vacuum
• Ability to negotiate with a union workforce
• Leadership skills are necessary for directing, motivating, and developing subordinates.

Benefits

• Competitive and comprehensive health, dental and vision benefits through Cigna.

• Generous matching 401k plan
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account with employer contribution and yearly roll over (cannot be combined with FSA)
• Health advocacy and services
• Company paid life insurance
• Company paid short term disability insurance
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Company discount programs available including discounts on gym membership and equipment, hotels, rental cars, etc.

EOE AA M/F/Vets/Disabled -- http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf