Chemical Manufacturing Operations Leader - Lean & Safety

LeoForce; Brookfield (CT); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Life Insurance

Company retirement savings plan

Disability coverage

Job summary

LeoForce in Brookfield, CT, is seeking an Operations Manager for chemical manufacturing. You will oversee day-to-day chemical handling and packaging operations, lead a 30–40 person team across planning, packaging, and shipping, and drive safety and compliance across OSHA, DOT, and EPA rules.

The role emphasizes Lean/Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making to optimize throughput, reduce waste, and ensure on-time shipments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 5+ years of operations management experience within manufacturing, chemical, or industrial environments.
• Experience or strong background in chemical handling, packaging, or similar industrial processes, including hazmats.
• Strong background in chemical safety, hazardous materials handling, and regulatory compliance (OSHA, DOT, EPA).
• Proven ability to lead and manage teams of 30-40 employees, with training and mentoring on safety, quality, and ops best practices.
• Background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar CI methodologies.
• Experience with ERP systems and inventory management software.
• Proven ability to analyze processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement measurable improvements.
• Strong cross-departmental communication skills and ability to present data-driven recommendations to senior leadership.
• Experience conducting safety audits and ensuring compliance with quality control standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of chemical handling and packaging teams to meet production targets and customer demand.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of 30-40 staff across planning & scheduling, packaging, and shipping.
• Train and mentor employees on safety procedures, packaging methods, and chemical handling protocols.
• Ensure full compliance with internal safety standards and regulatory requirements (OSHA, DOT, EPA, FDA).
• Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and training to mitigate risk and maintain a safe workplace.
• Ensure all chemicals are packaged to quality control standards and customer specifications; investigate defects and lead corrective actions.
• Manage production planning and scheduling to maintain inventory of raw materials, packaging, and finished goods and prevent shortages.
• Continuously refine chemical handling and packaging processes to improve throughput and reduce waste.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and other continuous improvement initiatives to lower operating costs and improve efficiency.
• Identify bottlenecks, troubleshoot process issues, and collaborate cross-functionally on solutions.
• Maintain accurate production, chemical handling, packaging, and compliance records.
• Prepare and present regular operational performance reports (production volumes, on-time shipments, safety metrics).
• Use data and KPIs to monitor performance and drive ongoing improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Safety management

Operations leadership

Data analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

ERP systems

Production planning

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Operations Management

Tools

ERP systems

Inventory management software

Job description

LeoForce in Brookfield, CT, is seeking an Operations Manager for chemical manufacturing. You will oversee day-to-day chemical handling and packaging operations, lead a 30–40 person team across planning, packaging, and shipping, and drive safety and compliance across OSHA, DOT, and EPA rules.

The role emphasizes Lean/Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and data-driven decision making to optimize throughput, reduce waste, and ensure on-time shipments.