Manufacturing Manager

celanese; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Celanese in Richmond, VA seeks a Manufacturing Manager to lead operations in the Coating and Finishing departments. This onsite position demands an engineering degree and experience in process or chemical operations to drive safety and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate will manage a team, ensure compliance with safety protocols, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of manufacturing processes are key to succeeding in this role.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations.
• At least 3 years in a leadership role managing supervisors or engineers.
• Strong understanding of balancing safety and production demands.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage site operations for safe and efficient production.
• Develop supervisors and engineers to improve organizational capability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across safety and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership in operations

Process safety management

Strong communication skills

Proficiency with ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related

Tools

SAP or similar ERP systems

Job description

This is an onsite, in-person position located at:

• Mylar Specialty Films - 5401 Route 1, Richmond, VA 23234 This role is ideal for an engineering-degreed manufacturing leader with experience in process or chemical operations who is ready to take ownership of daily production performance in a multi-shift environment.
• The Manufacturing Manager provides leadership for the Coating and Finishing departments, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient operations that meet customer requirements and unit objectives.
• This role focuses on driving operational excellence, developing frontline leadership, and identifying and implementing continuous improvement opportunities.
• Reporting to the Director of Production, the Manufacturing Manager leads a team of 12 direct reports, including Supervisors, a Production Engineer, and Technicians, and supports a broader organization of approximately 60 operators across two operating areas.
• Most operators and supervisors work rotating shift schedules.
• The Manufacturing Manager typically works Monday–Friday days and provides on-call support as needed to ensure safe and reliable operations.

Responsibilities:

• Operational & Safety Leadership Lead and manage site operations for the Coating and Finishing units to achieve safe, reliable, and efficient production.
• Own and reinforce Safety, Quality, Reliability, and Employee Engagement (SQRE) strategies through daily leadership presence and walkthroughs.
• Ensure effective Conduct of Operations systems are in place to support flawless daily execution.
• Provide timely and thoughtful responses to operational escalations.
• People & Team Development Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, engineers, technicians, and operators to build strong bench strength and organizational capability.
• Act as a visible role model, fostering accountability, engagement, and a strong safety culture.
• Drive consistent use of the operating model across teams to improve performance and execution.
• Performance Management & Continuous Improvement Review daily KPIs, identify performance gaps, and assign problem-solving resources (PPR) to address issues.
• Drive proactive and consistent improvement initiatives across safety, quality, reliability, and cost.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvements and develop and implement recommendations.
• Planning, Resources & Systems Ensure availability of resources, raw materials, and supplies to support production plans.
• Translate unit strategy into executable operating plans, including progression of the Unit Technology Plan (UTP).
• Plan for emerging needs, non-routine activities, and operational changes.

Qualifications:

• Required Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical engineering discipline. 5+ years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, including at least 3 years in a leadership role managing supervisors, engineers, or other frontline leaders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead in a team-based, operations-driven environment.
• Strong understanding of balancing safety, production demands, equipment reliability, raw material availability, cost, and other operational constraints.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with ERP systems and standard manufacturing software tools.
• Preferred Experience in chemical or process manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with SAP or similar ERP systems.
• Working knowledge of Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Experience working in a unionized manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cultural and performance improvements.