Director-Operations

Westlake Chemical; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical is seeking a Director – Operations to lead and optimize multiple manufacturing facilities and distribution centers across North America. You will own safety, quality, environmental, production and cost performance, driving Lean and Six Sigma initiatives and end-to-end operational excellence.

The role requires strategic leadership, P&L oversight, and collaboration with engineering, commercial and supply chain teams to deliver growth, improve margins, and ensure regulatory

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or related.
• MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing or related industries.
• Experience managing multi-site operations and full P&L responsibility.
• Knowledge of building materials, construction products, and distribution channels.
• Proven track record delivering growth and operational improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead safety, quality, environmental, production, and cost performance across sites.
• Drive Lean and Six Sigma initiatives and continuous improvement.
• Oversee productivity, inventory, logistics, and supply chain performance.
• Manage full P&L for Building Products Business Unit and financial planning.
• Develop strategic plans, budgets, and capital investments.
• Build and develop a high-performing leadership team; foster accountability.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

P&L Management

Operations Management

Financial Analytics

Cross-functional Collaboration

Change Leadership

Safety Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or related

MBA preferred

Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.SUMMARYThe Director – Operations is responsible for managing and overseeing the performance of multiple manufacturing facilities and distribution centers in the North America which includes safety, quality, environmental, production, conversion costs and compliance with divisional and other corporate policies and procedures.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESMay include, but are not limited to, the following:Safety, Health, and Environmental LeadershipChampion a culture of safety and environmental stewardship.Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and company HSE policies.Promote proactive risk management and continuous improvement in safety performance.Manufacturing and Operational ExcellenceEnsure safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations across all production facilities.Drive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence principles.Optimize productivity, quality, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain performance.Financial LeadershipMaintain full P&L responsibility for the Building Products Business Unit.Develop annual operating plans, forecasts, capital budgets, and strategic business plans.Drive sustainable revenue growth, margin expansion, cash flow generation, and return on invested capital.Monitor business performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.Establish and monitor key performance indicators to achieve operational objectives.Product Development and InnovationLead innovation initiatives that strengthen competitive positioning and profitability.Collaborate with technical, engineering, and commercial teams to develop new products and market solutions.Evaluate market opportunities and prioritize investments that support strategic growth objectives.Human Capital LeadershipBuild, develop, and retain a high-performing leadership team.Provide coaching, mentoring, and succession planning for key positions.Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning.EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONSRequiredBachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance, or a related discipline. MBA preferred.Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience within manufacturing, building products, industrial, or related industries.Knowledge of building materials, construction products, distribution channels, and manufacturing processes.Demonstrated success leading large-scale, multi-site manufacturing operations.Experience managing full P&L responsibility.Proven track record of delivering growth, operational improvements, and financial results.LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIESStrategic Agility - Anticipates future market trends, evaluates risks and opportunities, and develops plans that position the business for sustainable growth.Business Acumen - Demonstrates strong understanding of financial management, commercial strategy, operational drivers, and value creation.Customer Focus - Builds strong customer relationships and ensures decisions are aligned with customer needs and market demands.Decision Quality - Makes timely, data-driven decisions in complex and ambiguous situations while balancing risk and opportunity.Results Orientation - Establishes high standards of performance and consistently delivers measurable outcomes.Talent Development - Builds organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, and development of future leaders.Change Leadership - Successfully leads organizational transformation, business integration, and continuous improvement initiatives.Collaboration and Influence - Works effectively across functions and organizational levels to drive alignment and achieve business objectives.Operational Excellence - Promotes continuous improvement, productivity enhancement, quality performance, and disciplined execution.Safety Leadership - Demonstrates visible commitment to employee safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance.Integrity and Accountability - Maintains the highest ethical standards and fosters a culture of trust, transparency, and accountability.PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk; use hand to touch, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel and crouch.WORK ENVIRONMENTThe noise level in the work environment is usually moderate as normally based in an office. Some of the work may be required in the operating units which can require usage of required PPE including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs and elevators. Travel up to 50% including air travel or auto travelWestlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.