Production Manager - Smyrna, GA

Position Overview:

The Production Manager oversees all aspects of chemical manufacturing operations, ensuring production targets are met safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental and quality standards. This role is responsible for coordinating personnel, processes, and resources to optimize plant performance while maintaining strict adherence to safety and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

Production Planning & Management

• Develop and execute production schedules to meet customer demand and inventory targets.
• Monitor daily operations, ensuring optimal use of raw materials, equipment, and labor.
• Coordinate with maintenance, quality, and logistics teams to minimize downtime and maximize output.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce adherence to all safety, health, and environmental (EHS) regulations and company policies.
• Ensure compliance with chemical handling, waste disposal, and hazardous material management standards (e.g., OSHA, EPA, ISO-9001, RCRA).
• Lead safety meetings, risk assessments, and incident investigations.

Process Optimization

• Identify opportunities to improve process efficiency, yield, and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee implementation of continuous improvement initiatives 
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production output, yield, downtime, and OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness).

Team Leadership

• Supervise and develop production supervisors, operators, and technicians.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and safety awareness.
• Provide training and performance evaluations for production staff.

Quality Assurance

• Collaborate with the Quality Department to ensure all products meet required specifications and standards.
• Investigate quality deviations and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Budget & Reporting

• Manage production budgets, cost control, and resource allocation.
• Prepare and present regular production reports to plant leadership.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in chemical manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of chemical process operations, batch processes, and process safety management (PSM).
• Proficient in production management software (e.g., SAP, MES) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Must pass Department of Homeland Security background check and pre-placement physical (including respirator) and pre-employment drug-screen.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ISO 9001/14001 or Responsible Care® systems.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Project Management (PMP).
• Knowledge of PLC/DCS control systems and process automation.

Working Conditions:

• Based at a chemical manufacturing plant environment.
• Exposure to chemicals, noise, and high-temperature areas (with appropriate PPE).
• Requires availability for shift work, weekends, or on-call support as needed.

Italmatch Chemicals/The Elco Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.