Monster

Plant Operations Manager

Southwest Economic Solutions

Chicago, IL

JOB DETAILS
LOCATION
Chicago, IL
POSTED
2 days ago

Job Category: First/Mid-Level Officials/Managers

Requisition Number: PLANT001200

  • Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

PVS enables our world through the safe and reliable delivery of chemistry, either created by us or sourced through trusted partners. The products and services that we provide touch everyone in some unique way. We are passionate about the work we do and abide by our guiding principles, The Nicholson Nine, to be a safe and sustainable chemical provider the world trusts. With a career at PVS, you'll play a vital role in the daily lives of millions of people.

Description:
The Operations Manager is a critical leadership role within our chemical manufacturing facility, responsible for overseeing daily plant operations, maintenance, environmental and safety compliance, and labor relations. This position combines the responsibilities and oversight of the Operations, Loading and Maintenance Supervisors, while also supporting and occasionally representing the Plant Manager in broader strategic and regulatory matters. The Operations Manager works with the management team to ensure the site operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws—especially regarding permitting and environmental regulation—and serves as a key liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including union leadership, regulators, and community representatives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Oversight:

  • Lead and coordinate daily production and maintenance operations to meet safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets.
  • Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) across operations and maintenance functions.
  • Ensure efficient resource allocation, including labor, materials, and equipment, to support production schedules.
  • Identify and implement process improvements to reduce downtime and increase productivity.

Maintenance Management:

  • Oversee preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability.
  • Work closely with engineering and procurement to manage spare parts inventory and maintenance budgeting.
  • Support root cause analyses for equipment failures and implement long-term corrective actions.

Regulatory Compliance & Permitting:

  • Working with Plant EHS&S, ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental and safety regulations, including air, water, and waste permits.
  • Support permit applications, renewals, and reporting activities.
  • Coordinate inspections and audits, and implement corrective actions as needed.
  • Stay current with emerging regulatory and political trends affecting the chemical manufacturing sector.

Union Labor Relations & Human Resources:

  • Collaborate with union leadership to maintain a productive and respectful work environment.
  • Oversee timekeeping, payroll accuracy, and employee record management.
  • Working with the Plant Office Manager, ensure HR policies are administered consistently and fairly.
  • Act as a strategic partner to the Plant Manager, participating in budget planning, capital projects, and long-term operational strategy.
  • Serve as acting Plant Manager when needed.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and safety.
  • Develop, coach, and mentor frontline supervisors and other staff.

Required Education / Skills / Equivalent Experience (Prior to hire / transfer):

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
  • Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management capacity.
  • Demonstrated experience managing unionized workforces and navigating complex HR environments.
  • Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, and state/local permitting requirements.
  • Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
  • Experience with CMMS systems, production planning tools, and EH&S compliance software.
  • Combination of office and industrial plant settings.
  • Must be able to respond to after-hours emergencies as needed.
  • Regular exposure to chemicals, machinery, and high-noise environments (PPE provided).

This position plays a pivotal role in bridging operational execution with strategic leadership and regulatory navigation. The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader with a strong operational background and a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing today’s chemical manufacturing facilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

PVS values diversity and is committed to upholding the laws and regulations published by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. As an equal opportunity employer, PVS makes all employment-related decisions based upon qualifications, merit and business needs.

Benefits Include:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Health Insurance
  • Vision Coverage
  • Life Insurance
  • Short Term Disability
  • Health Savings Account
  • 401K Matching

Applicants must be able to pass a drug screen and background check.

Salary: Dependent on experience; $115,000 - $130,000 Annually

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Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About the Company

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Southwest Economic Solutions