Chemical Plant Shift Leader - Commissioning & Safety

Solenis; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Solenis is seeking a VFA Shift Supervisor to lead a 12-hour rotating shift, starting with a Monday–Friday daytime schedule for 1–2 years, then rotating. You will manage 4–6 direct reports and collaborate across Maintenance, Lab, Engineering, Material Handling and Planning to hit production targets.

The role emphasizes safety, environmental performance, and continuous improvement, with a path to grow within a global chemical manufacturing company.

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Chemical Engineering with 3+ years experience in chemical manufacturing.
• Or High School Diploma with 8+ years experience in chemical manufacturing.
• Must be able to perform physical activities including climbing stairs, prolonged walking, and bending.
• Strong knowledge of hazardous chemical handling.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead teams and communicate across multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead production activities for the assigned shift, providing technical guidance during commissioning and routine operations, resolving process-related issues, and developing operator capabilities.
• Assist in all commissioning and startup activities on the new plant, including hiring of all process operators, implementing commissioning plans, participating/leading trainings, documenting safe work practices, and assisting in development of work rhythms of new plant.
• Foster employee growth through training, coaching, and succession development to build a highly skilled and engaged shift.
• Become certified permit writer to support permits during daily shift, including Safe Work, Hot Work and Line Break of High Hazard material.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment operability/quality issues, identify root causes, and propose solutions.
• Monitor team performance and provide coaching and corrective action when needed.
• Support operator training, new equipment startup, and team development.
• Promote and reinforce a strong Safety-First Culture across all operations.
• Be able to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Be actively involved in EHS programs, site audits, safety committees, job safety analyses, and other site safety programs.
• Create process orders and maintenance work orders within SAP.
• Conduct routine rounds and actively participate in shift turnover.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Team leadership

Safety awareness

Education

BS Degree in Chemical Engineering

High School Diploma with 8+ years in chemical manufacturing

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Distributed Control Systems/PLCs (DeltaV)

Data Historians

Job description

Solenis is seeking a VFA Shift Supervisor to lead a 12-hour rotating shift, starting with a Monday–Friday daytime schedule for 1–2 years, then rotating. You will manage 4–6 direct reports and collaborate across Maintenance, Lab, Engineering, Material Handling and Planning to hit production targets.

The role emphasizes safety, environmental performance, and continuous improvement, with a path to grow within a global chemical manufacturing company.