Director of Operations

Pacific International Executive Search; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific International Executive Search is exclusively retained by a leader in the chemical manufacturing space undergoing a transformation. The Senior Director of Operations will lead a large-scale, multi-plant operation, focused on safety, continuous improvement, and people engagement, to drive transformation and growth across the site.

The role requires 15+ years in chemical manufacturing, a Bachelor’s in Engineering, and experience leading both union and non-union teams in highly regulated

Qualifications

• 15+ years of chemical manufacturing experience including large-scale or multi-site leadership.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering; MBA or advanced degree is an advantage.
• Proven experience leading union and non-union workforces within highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Strong track record of improving safety, reliability, operational performance, and cost competitiveness.

Responsibilities

• Drive improvements in safety, reliability, cost competitiveness, and overall site effectiveness across a multi-plant environment.
• Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team across the site.
• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Drive organizational alignment and transformation across a complex, multi-plant operation.
• Oversee financial performance of manufacturing operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Build strong relationships with employees, union leadership, and key stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance within a highly regulated Process Safety Management (PSM) environment.
• Serve as a visible leader for the site internally, externally, and within the local community.

Skills

Leadership

Safety leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Budgeting

Change management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA or advanced degree

Tools

PSM

Job description

Pacific International Executive Search has been exclusively retained by a leader in the chemical manufacturing space, in the midst of an organization wide transformation.

As part of this transformation, they are looking to bring in a Senior Director of Operations to lead a large-scale, complex piece of their business. Centered around driving continuous improvement, safety, and people engagement, they are looking for a strong leader to step in and bring improvements to this critical operation.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record of leading large-scale chemical manufacturing operations, driving safety and reliability performance, developing high-performing teams, and leading change within highly regulated environments. This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in the transformation and future growth of a site that sits at the heart of the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive improvements in safety, reliability, cost competitiveness, and overall site effectiveness across a multi-plant environment.
• Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team across the site.
• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Drive organizational alignment and transformation across a complex, multi-plant operation
• Oversee financial performance of manufacturing operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Build strong relationships with employees, union leadership, and key stakeholders
• Ensure compliance within a highly regulated Process Safety Management (PSM) environment
• Serve as a visible leader for the site internally, externally, and within the local community

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of chemical manufacturing experience, including leadership of large-scale or multi-site operations
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or similar; MBA or advanced degree is an advantage
• Proven experience leading union and non-union workforces within highly regulated manufacturing environments
• Strong track record of improving safety, reliability, operational performance, and cost competitiveness
• Experience leading large teams and developing high-performing manufacturing organizations
• Demonstrated financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and operational cost management
• Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies
• Experience operating within a Process Safety Management (PSM) environment and managing HSE compliance

About Pacific:

Pacific International, a globally recognized retained executive search firm, is dedicated to empowering Fortune 500, FTSE 100, and high-growth enterprises in building exceptional C-suite, senior-level, and strategic leadership teams. Our adaptability, agility, and forward-thinking ethos distinguish us as a Trusted Partner in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Diversity Statement:

At Pacific International, diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the core of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and we proudly champion diversity on behalf of our clients in every Executive Search mandate we undertake. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. In pursuit of these objectives, we actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.