Global Leader, Multi-Site Chemical Manufacturing

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

Job summary

Sterling Specialty Chemicals, LLC seeks a Director of Manufacturing to provide leadership and operational oversight across eight chemical manufacturing facilities—four under SSC and four under Sterling Multi-Chem, including one site in Saudi Arabia. This is a high-visibility, multi-site role demanding travel and hands-on leadership.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in chemical manufacturing, with strong expertise in polymers, surfactants, and formulations, and a proven ability to drive safety,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive chemical manufacturing experience; 15+ years preferred.
• Strong technical proficiency in polymers, surfactants, specialty chemicals, and processing operations.
• Proven ability to lead chemists, engineers, and technical teams.
• Significant leadership oversight of plant operations and multiple facilities.
• Track record of operational improvements, high-performing teams, and measurable results.
• Experience with safety, environmental compliance, and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across eight chemical manufacturing facilities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop plant managers and leadership teams.
• Apply technical knowledge of polymers, surfactants, and formulations to support operations.
• Drive safety, quality, productivity, equipment reliability, and cost management.
• Establish and monitor KPIs, budgets, and performance objectives across facilities.
• Collaborate with Engineering, R&D, Quality, and EHS to optimize processes and ensure compliance.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and standardization.
• Maintain hands-on presence at facilities and engage with teams.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

Problem solving

Multi-site management

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or closely related technical discipline

Tools

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Job description

Sterling Specialty Chemicals, LLC seeks a Director of Manufacturing to provide leadership and operational oversight across eight chemical manufacturing facilities—four under SSC and four under Sterling Multi-Chem, including one site in Saudi Arabia. This is a high-visibility, multi-site role demanding travel and hands-on leadership.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in chemical manufacturing, with strong expertise in polymers, surfactants, and formulations, and a proven ability to drive safety,