Manufacturing Operations Manager

Nova-Chemicals; Connersville (IN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

NOVA Chemicals Corporation seeks a Manufacturing Operations Manager for the Circular Solutions site in Connersville. You will lead daily manufacturing operations, drive safety, quality, productivity and on-time delivery while guiding process engineering and maintenance teams.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years of manufacturing operations leadership, strong lean and Kaizen experience, and expertise in extrusion/plastics manufacturing. Proficiency in SPC, DOE, and capital projects is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in engineering or manufacturing field.
• Minimum 5 years of manufacturing ops and/or process engineering leadership.
• Experience in extrusion/thermoforming plastics or high-volume manufacturing.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies applied to operations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations focusing on safety, quality, productivity, cost, and on-time delivery.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, BRCGS, and company requirements.
• Monitor KPIs and drive actions to improve plant performance.
• Coach and develop salaried and hourly employees across the facility.
• Oversee plant engineering, maintenance, and equipment performance.
• Develop and manage capital projects and equipment upgrades.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

SPC

DOE

Quality systems

Job description

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This position could be located in the following location(s):Circular Solutions Site - Connersville

Who We Are:

At NOVA Chemicals we are reshaping plastics for a better, more sustainable world. Our dedicated team of talented individuals works collaboratively to create circular plastic solutions that make everyday life safer, healthier and better. With a focus on safety, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship, we strive to constantly improve and shape the future of our industry. Join our team of talented professionals who are passionate about making a difference and be a part of our journey towards sustainability leadership. Together we can create a better, more circular tomorrow.

The Manufacturing Operations Manager is a key member of NOVA Circular Solutions' Mechanical Recycling Team, providing day-to-day leadership of the Connersville manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this role is responsible for driving safe, reliable, and cost-effective operations across production, process engineering, quality, maintenance, inventory management, and capital projects.

This position combines operational leadership with hands-on process engineering expertise, serving as a key resource for manufacturing processes, equipment optimization, and continuous improvement. The Manufacturing Operations Manager drives productivity, product quality, and operational excellence through effective process control, technical development, and Lean Manufacturing principles.

Direct reports include Production Supervisors and Process/Technical Staff, with indirect responsibility for hourly manufacturing employees across the facility.

You Will Use Your Expertise To:

• Lead daily manufacturing operations with a focus on safety, quality, productivity, cost, and on-time delivery.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, BRCGS, company, and other regulatory requirements.
• Monitor key performance indicators and drive actions to improve overall plant performance.
• Lead, coach, and develop salaried and hourly employees, establishing clear expectations and accountability.
• Serve as back-up supervision for operational departments as needed.
• Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing process issues related to extrusion, thermoforming, and other production systems.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, A3 problem-solving, root cause analysis, and other process improvement tools.
• Identify and implement improvements that increase productivity and quality while reducing waste and operating costs.
• Develop and maintain process controls, operating procedures, and troubleshooting standards.
• Use process capability, statistical process control, and design of experiments to improve process stability and performance.
• Provide technical leadership for new product introductions, product changes, and production start-ups.
• Oversee plant engineering, maintenance activities, equipment performance, and facility operations.
• Support equipment retrofits, upgrades, and new equipment installations.
• Develop capital project plans, prepare cost estimates, and support implementation of approved capital investments.
• Evaluate the technical and economic feasibility of new products, equipment, and process improvement initiatives.
• Support inventory and materials management.
• Develop technical capabilities across the organization through training, coaching, and ongoing employee development, while maintaining appropriate training and process documentation.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, accountability, engagement, and operational excellence.

What We Are Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Plastics Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of manufacturing operations and/or process engineering leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading production operations, coaching and developing employees, and working effectively across functions.
• Background in extrusion, thermoforming, plastics manufacturing, or other high-volume manufacturing processes preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, including production planning, quality systems, inventory control, maintenance, and process engineering.
• Demonstrated application of Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC), Design of Experiments (DOE), process capability, and quality management systems.
• Proven ability to develop and implement capital projects, equipment upgrades, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Working knowledge of applicable safety, environmental, and BRCGS requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to address complex operational challenges and drive results.

You Can Stand Out If:

• You are passionate about your work and put care and thought into all that you do.
• You are responsible and follow through with your commitments to others and to safety.
• You are innovative and are willing to challenge your biases when problem solving.
• You are collaborative, inclusive, and work well with others towards team goals.

Additional Information:

• Relocation will be considered for this position
• Compensation will be commensurate with education and experience
• Approximately 80% of time spent on the manufacturing floor in a production environment.
• Exposure to normal manufacturing conditions, including varying temperatures, moderate noise levels, moving equipment, and production machinery.
• Requires extensive walking, standing, bending, reaching, climbing, pushing, pulling, and occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to effectively support both operational and technical functions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Callouts are a requirement of the role due to the 24 hour per day plant operation.

Why NOVA Chemicals?

NOVA Chemicals' flexible benefit programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees, because when it comes to benefits, everyone has different priorities. Our benefits offerings will vary based on your work location and are an element of the "Total Rewards" package used to reward employees.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Nearest Major Market: Connersville

Job Segment: Operations Manager, Facilities, Process Engineer, Business Process, Manufacturing Engineer, Operations, Engineering, Management