Global Head of Chemical Manufacturing & Operations

Sterling Specialty Chemicals US LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Specialty Chemicals US LLC in Houston seeks a Sr. Director of Manufacturing to lead eight chemical manufacturing facilities, including seven domestic and one international site.

The role requires deep technical knowledge of polymers, surfactants, and specialty formulations, plus a hands-on leadership style to drive safety and performance. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of manufacturing leadership, a chemical engineering or related degree, and a proven track record of building

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive chemical manufacturing experience; 15+ years strongly preferred.
• Strong technical proficiency in polymers, surfactants, specialty chemical formulations, and processing operations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with chemists, chemical engineers, and technical teams.
• Significant manufacturing leadership experience overseeing plant operations and multiple facilities.
• Proven success in driving operational improvements, building high-performing teams, and delivering measurable results.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing safety, environmental compliance, and cost management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, domestically and internationally, including Saudi Arabia.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across eight chemical manufacturing facilities, ensuring consistent performance and excellence.
• Lead, mentor, and develop plant managers and manufacturing leadership teams.
• Apply strong technical knowledge of polymers, surfactants, chemical formulations, and processes to support operations and resolve complex challenges.
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, and cost management.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs, budgets, and performance objectives across all facilities.
• Partner with Engineering, R&D, Quality, and EH&S to optimize processes, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement, standardization, and efficiency gains.
• Maintain a strong hands-on presence at facilities, engaging with employees and leadership.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Operations management

Communication

Problem-solving

Travel readiness

Team development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Job description

Sterling Specialty Chemicals US LLC in Houston seeks a Sr. Director of Manufacturing to lead eight chemical manufacturing facilities, including seven domestic and one international site.

The role requires deep technical knowledge of polymers, surfactants, and specialty formulations, plus a hands-on leadership style to drive safety and performance. The ideal candidate will have 15+ years of manufacturing leadership, a chemical engineering or related degree, and a proven track record of building