Head of Operations

LANXESS; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Global bonus program

Comprehensive benefits

Flexible working

Training & development

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

LANXESS in Charleston seeks a Head of Operations to translate site strategies into actionable priorities and plans. You will lead the Operations organization, driving safety, reliability and cost discipline while coordinating with Maintenance, Engineering, Reliability, Supply Chain and HSSE to achieve site objectives.

The role requires a technical degree and 8+ years in chemical manufacturing with strong leadership and a track record of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry or related field.
• 8+ years in chemical manufacturing or operations; 10+ preferred.
• Proven leadership and team development in manufacturing.
• Strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP and standard IT systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead Operations organization to ensure safe, compliant execution across site units.
• Drive production performance and operational discipline across units.
• Develop and execute short-, mid-, long-term operational plans.
• Anticipate future needs: capacity, workforce, equipment, capital.
• Provide leadership, succession planning and capability development.
• Ensure process safety, HSSE and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

ERP knowledge

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Multi-unit leadership

Resource prioritization

Manufacturing operations

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering/Chemistry

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

About This Role

The Head of Operations is accountable for the overall operational performance, workforce capability, process safety, environmental compliance and production planning across the site's manufacturing units and supporting operations.This position translates site and business strategies into operational priorities and short-, mid- and long-term plans. The role develops organizational capabilities, strengthens frontline leadership, drives operational excellence and ensures effective coordination with Maintenance, Engineering, Reliability, Supply Chain, HSSE and other functions.The successful candidate will balance daily operational execution with long-term planning, ensuring the sustainable achievement of site safety, production, quality, reliability, environmental and cost objectives.

Job Highlights

• Lead and manage the overall Operations organization to ensure safe, compliant, reliable and cost-effective execution of site manufacturing activities.
• Drive overall operational leadership, production performance and operational discipline across multiple production units.
• Develop and execute short-, mid- and long-term operational plans aligned with site and business strategies.
• Anticipate future operational needs, including production capacity, workforce capabilities, equipment reliability, resources and capital investments.
• Provide leadership, organization development, succession planning and workforce capability development.
• Ensure process safety, HSSE and regulatory compliance within Operations.
• Lead production planning, resource allocation and cross-unit coordination.
• Drive operational excellence, continuous improvement and sustainable performance improvements.
• Manage operating costs, resource utilization and operational KPIs.
• Ensure effective cross-functional alignment, communication and escalation.
• Strengthen accountability and ensure consistent execution of corrective actions and systematic improvements in operating performance.

Experience / Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Chemistry or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in chemical manufacturing or operations, with demonstrated progressive responsibility and leadership capabilities. 10+ years preferred.
• Proven ability to lead teams and develop organizational capabilities in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of standard IT systems and programs, including ERP.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment in prioritizing resources, resolving competing operational demands, managing abnormal situations and determining when escalation is required.
• Ability to lead a multi-unit chemical manufacturing organization operating processes with significant process safety, environmental, quality and business risks.
• Demonstrated experience in operational planning, performance management and continuous improvement.
• Ability to balance production commitments, workforce capability, equipment reliability, maintenance requirements, operating costs and compliance obligations across multiple operating areas.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate business objectives into actionable operational plans and long-term improvement priorities.

Who We Are

LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with about 12,000 employees in 32 countries. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacturing and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives and consumer protection products. LANXESS has achieved leading positions in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Index and the MSCI ESG and ISS ESG ratings, among others, for its commitment to sustainability.

Be part of it!

What We Offer

• Compensation We offer competitive compensation packages, inclusive of a global bonus program. Please note, the actual compensation may vary based on geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level.
• Comprehensive Benefits We provide a variety of benefits to support your financial security, health and wellbeing including retirement plans, health programs, life insurance and medical care.
• Work-Life & Flexibility We support you in maintaining a balance between working hours and personal life. With our global “Xwork” program, we offer flexible working arrangements in all countries in which we operate.
• Training & Development We are committed to your professional and personal development and encourage you in the ongoing pursuit of education, training and knowledge through both formal and informal learning.
• Diversity LANXESS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religion, national origin, veteran status and political beliefs.

LANXESS has a value-based performance culture. We are seeking a range of human interests, backgrounds, and experiences that can be engaged to achieve respect, ownership, trust, professionalism, integrity and healing across all sectors.

We are looking to find diverse and talented people to join our team. Studies have shown that some individuals are less likely to apply if they do not meet 100% of the criteria. We are looking to equalize the gap! If you are excited about this role but your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We will look to assess your talent against our competencies, values and requirements to get the best organizational fit. You might be the right candidate for this or other roles we have available!

Join the LANXESS team!