Encapsys Aspen Plant Manager

Milliken and Company; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Plant Manager to lead operations at their Appleton facility. This pivotal role involves driving performance across safety, quality, and productivity while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing, particularly within the chemical sector, and will be adept at leading high-performing teams. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization by aligning plant operations with strategic business objectives and enhancing employee engagement. If you are results-driven and passionate about operational excellence, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, preferably in chemicals.
• Strong leadership capabilities with a focus on team development and engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant operations to achieve KPIs in safety, quality, and productivity.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and employee involvement.
• Manage plant budgets and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Skills

Leadership

Continuous Improvement

Lean Management

Six Sigma

Communication Skills

Change Management

Data-Driven Decision Making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Process Manufacturing

Job description

Location: Appleton, WI, US, 54915

Company: Milliken and Company

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com.

POSITION TITLE

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Plant Manager is accountable for leading all aspects of operations at the Aspen Plant, ensuring the achievement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, employee engagement, and environmental performance. This role requires a dynamic, results-driven leader who can foster a culture of continuous improvement, empower high-performing teams, and align plant operations with strategic business objectives.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute plant goals and objectives that support business strategy.
• Enhance a culture of continuous improvement, employee involvement, and daily management to deliver day-to-day business objectives.
• Ensure a safe and environmentally healthy working environment consistent with regulatory standards and company policies. Maintain RC14001 Standards.
• Sustain a compliant environmental record and reduce any environmental hazards and risks that might be presented.
• Develop staff to allow attraction and retention of qualified, high-performing individuals.
• Prepare staff and facilities to meet changing capacity, new product growth, customer or business expectations aligned with Encapsys strategic plan.
• Foster teamwork and collaboration between Encapsys departments, our customers, and our vendors.
• Prepare plant operating budget to align with strategic objectives.
• Provide the inspiration needed within the workforce – through own actions and through the motivated action of other plant leaders – to drive all aspects of our culture, vision, and values, including personal accountability and the desire to meet customer needs.
• Examine and improve work policies for the plant such that engagement and sense of fairness is well served and reflected in being “an employer of choice” within the geographical area of the plant.
• Serve as an Encapsys representative with customers, municipality, community, suppliers, and partners.
• Manage assets and make capital investment recommendations based on development of business cases.

SAFETY

• Adhere to all plant safety policies and compliance regulations. Actively participate in the safety process through completing safety audits, participating in safety projects, identifying Site Hazards, contributing to safety improvements, and being an attending member of a safety team. Complete annual safety training as required.

QUALITY

• Become familiar with, understand, and comply with Milliken Quality Policy, Standard Operating Procedure(s) (SOPs), relevant ISO 9000 standards and Company Policies that are applicable to this position.

HAZARDOUS WASTE HANDLING

• All associates who handle hazardous waste shall be given an overview of the regulations and company policies regarding the management of hazardous waste. The hazardous waste handlers shall receive detailed instruction on the proper handling, collecting, labeling, and transporting of hazardous waste as outlined in RCRA and OSHA regulations.

Responsible Care

• Be aware of the relevant requirements of the Responsible Care Management System (RC-14001) and follow plant procedures to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Understand the RC-14001 Significant Aspects of your job and help ensure controls are in place to reduce or eliminate negative impacts.
• Minimize waste, prevent pollution, and conserve energy while performing job tasks.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of the environmental, health, safety, security and Responsible Care performance and programs.

QUALIFICATIONS – REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Process Manufacturing, or a related technical discipline.
• 8+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment within the chemical industry.
• Proven ability to lead operational transformation and change management.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Demonstrated success in managing growth and executing capital projects or programs.
• Results-driven mindset with a strong sense of urgency and accountability.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage across all organizational levels.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with a history of building, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments and making data-driven decisions.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer.