Operations Manager

Job Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all aspects of daily operations at our Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin facility. This position ensures the safe, efficient, and compliant blending, packaging, storage, and distribution of chemical products while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and employee engagement.

As the site leader, the Operations Manager oversees plant operations, production scheduling, inventory management, equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and workforce development. Success in this role requires a hands-on leadership approach, strong operational and business acumen, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to customers while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate brings extensive manufacturing or chemical distribution experience, a proven track record of leading teams in fast-paced environments, and the ability to drive performance through process improvement, strategic planning, and employee development. Experience managing production schedules, implementing safety initiatives, and ensuring on-time customer deliveries is essential.

Job Description:

Safety Leadership:

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all company safety policies, environmental regulations, and federal/state/local requirements (e.g., OSHA, EPA, DOT).
• Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks and hazards.
• Ensure all sites meet or exceed internal safety and environmental performance metrics.

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee the daily operations multiple distribution locations, ensuring efficient product handling, storage, transportation, and customer delivery.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance service qualities.
• Ensure proper inventory management, facility maintenance, and equipment reliability.
• Support capital project planning and execution.

People and Performance Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop site managers and their teams to build strong leadership pipelines and operational expertise.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and ensure alignment with company goals.

Regulatory Compliance and Quality:

• Ensure all facilities operate in full compliance with regulatory and industry standards, including chemical handling, storage, and transportation requirements.
• Maintain audit readiness and support inspections by regulatory agencies.
• Partner with EHS, Quality, and compliance teams to maintain certifications and reporting requirements.

Strategic and Financial Management:

• Develop and manage operational budgets for the area of responsibility.
• Monitor KPIs and operational performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing action plans.
• Collaborate with Sales, Supply Chain, and Customer Service to support growth initiatives and customer satisfaction.

Your Profile

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field is typically preferred. However, candidates with significant operational leadership experience in manufacturing, chemical distribution, warehousing, or production management are often considered even if their degree is in another field.
• 3-5 years of operations or plant management experience or commensurate level of education and experience.
• Experience in the chemical distribution, manufacturing, or logistics industry strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory standards (OSHA, DOT, EPA, HAZMAT).
• Proven leadership, communication, and people development skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety as a core operational value.
• Must be able to wear required PPE and work in chemical handling environments.
• Ability to respond to after-hours operational issues if needed.
• Motivated and task oriented.

Our Offer

• We aim to create an environment where the best people want to work, where they can turn their passion into their job and realize their full potential.
• Individual development, on-the-job training, and development programs designed to help our employees grow in their careers.
• Paid parental leave
• Education assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Various healthcare plan options as well as 401(k)

Brenntag TA Team