Director-Operations

Westlake Chemical; United States; On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Westlake Chemical seeks an experienced Director – Operations to oversee multiple manufacturing facilities and distribution centers in North America, ensuring safety, quality, and environmental compliance while driving cost-effective operations and supply chain performance.

The role requires 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership, an MBA or equivalent background, and a proven record of P&L management, Lean/Six Sigma improvements, and building high-performing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Finance or related field.
• MBA preferred; minimum 10 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing or related industries.
• Experience with building materials, construction products, distribution channels, and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead Safety, Health, and Environmental leadership across multiple sites and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Drive manufacturing excellence with Lean/Six Sigma and optimize production, quality, inventory, logistics and supply chain performance.
• Own full P&L for the Building Products Business Unit and develop operating plans, forecasts, budgets, and strategic business plans.
• Lead product development and innovation initiatives in collaboration with technical, engineering, and commercial teams.
• Coach and develop a high-performing leadership team and drive succession planning.

Skills

Strategic agility

Business acumen

Safety leadership

Integrity & accountability

Talent development

Change leadership

Collaboration & influence

Operational excellence

Decision quality

Results orientation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Engineering/Operations

MBA (preferred)

Job description

Summary

The 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 Responsibilities

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Safety, Health, and Environmental Leadership Champion 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 Excellence Ensure 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 Leadership Maintain 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 Innovation Lead 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 Leadership Build, 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 Qualifications

Required Bachelor'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 Competencies

• Strategic 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 Demands

While 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 Environment

The 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 travel.

Westlake 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.

Westlake is a global manufacturer and supplier of materials and innovative products that enhance life every day. Headquartered in Houston, with operations in Asia, Europe and North America, we provide the building blocks for vital solutions — from housing and construction, to packaging and healthcare, to automotive and consumer. For more information, visit the company's web site at www.westlake.com. Westlake (NYSE: WLK) is a global diversified industrial company that manufactures and supplies essential products that enhance the daily lives of people around the globe. Our products, now under a One Westlake brand, supply the necessary building blocks for everyday products across housing and infrastructure, packaging and healthcare, and automotive and consumer goods. Consumers gain the benefits of materials Westlake produces in products such as food packaging, medical devices, soaps and detergents, car interiors, fashion, toys, shoes, furniture, electronics, siding, stone veneer, windows, outdoor living, roofing, and pipe & fittings. Westlake is proud to contribute to driving a sustainable future through the creation of essential products that are Enhancing Your Life Every Day®. To view other career opportunities at Westlake and our family of companies, visit https://westlaketalent.com