Operations Manager

Socket.dev; Darrow (LA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Health, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Performance-based compensation

Job summary

Nexpera is seeking an Operations Manager for its Burnside, Louisiana facility to direct and optimize sulfuric acid production. The role ensures safe operations, on-time output, and product quality while driving efficiency and reliability across the plant.

The successful candidate will lead a team of supervisors, foster a culture of safety, and implement new processes to reduce costs and improve performance. A strong engineering background and plant operations experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of chemical or continuous-process manufacturing operations experience.
• At least 3 years in operations supervision or supervising non-exempt staff.
• Strong knowledge of process operations, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and safety procedures.
• Direct experience with sulfuric acid production preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage the operations function to support business growth and ensure safety, on-time production, and quality.
• Direct sulfuric acid production in compliance with all safety, health, and environmental procedures.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA PSM, EPA RMP, and DOT requirements for hazardous materials.
• Develop supervisory and operator talent to meet growth objectives and reduce costs.
• Research, plan, target, and control operating cost reductions and manage the department budget.
• Coordinate cross-departmental efforts to ensure smooth workflow and cost-efficient output.
• Provide leadership in evaluating and implementing new processes and systems technology.
• Improve productivity through clear communication and resolution of conflicts across all levels.
• Provide direction, training, and professional development for assigned personnel.

Skills

Safety leadership

Effective communication

Leadership

Continuous improvement

Process control knowledge

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Master's degree in engineering or MBA

Job description

Nexperaleads the way in sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide regeneration, offering a comprehensive range of products and services that optimize processes, minimize environmental impact, and allow our partners to focus on their core operations. With the industry’s largest facility network, we ensure unmatched reliability and drive innovation across the industrial landscape. In addition, we provide an unmatched array of sulfur-based chemicals and related services to a diverse set of industries.

Position Purpose

Nexpera's OperationsManager will manage, direct, and implement the operations objectives of the Burnside, Louisiana facility to ensure the safe, reliable, and cost-effective production of sulfuric acid. In the short term, the position is accountable for on-time production, plant reliability, operating efficiency, and product quality. Over the longer term, the Operations Manager formulates, plans, and implements operating strategies in alignment with the objectives of the Company and its customers. The position is accountable for the overall performance of the operations department and for the development of its supervisory and operating personnel.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage the operations function in support of business growth, including the introduction of new operating systems and modifications to existing systems and components, while meeting facility financial objectives, ensuring the safety of operations and employees, and maintaining on-time production and product quality.
• Direct the production of sulfuric acid in accordance with all established safety, health, and environmental procedures, and ensure that all personnel perform their work in compliance with those procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including OSHA Process Safety Management (29 CFR 1910.119), the EPA Risk Management Program, and U.S. Department of Transportation requirements for the handling of hazardous materials.
• Assess and develop the supervisory and operator talent and skill base in order to achieve growth objectives and to meet market needs such as reduced cost, efficient production cycle times, and reliable delivery.
• Research, plan, target, and control reductions in operating costs; achieve annual financial objectives; and prepare, control, and forecast the departmental budget.
• Coordinate efforts among support departments within the facility to ensure a smooth workflow and cost-efficient output through effective interdepartmental communication and support.
• Provide leadership in the evaluation and implementation of new processes and systems technology in order to meet operating objectives.
• Enhance productivity through effective written and verbal communication throughout the organization; keep supervisors apprised of scheduling, production capability, and problem areas; maintain a productive working rapport with employees at all levels; and resolve departmental conflicts.
• Provide work direction, orientation, training, and work review to assigned personnel, and project a positive, professional image to employees, customers, the industry, and the community served by the Company.

Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • A Master's degree in engineering or an M.B.A. is preferred.
• Experience
  • A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in chemical or continuous-process manufacturing operations, including knowledge of process operations, heat transfer, thermodynamics, and safety procedures. Direct experience with sulfuric acid production is strongly preferred.
  • A minimum of three (3) years of experience in an industrial environment as an operations supervisor or managing supervisors of non-exempt operations employees
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • A demonstrated commitment to safety and to delivering high-quality work that meets the needs of internal and external customers.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts to all levels of the organization, from operating personnel to senior leadership.
  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to contribute effectively within a dynamic, team-oriented environment.
  • The ability to receive and act on constructive feedback and to promote a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Working knowledge of process control systems, production metrics, and budgeting and cost-control practices.
  • Formal training in OSHA Process Safety Management, general OSHA standards, or RCRA is preferred.
• Work Environment
  • Work is performed on-site at an active sulfuric acid manufacturing facility and requires moving throughout the plant, climbing stairs and ladders, and standing or walking for extended periods.
  • The employee may be exposed to chemicals, noise, heat, and other conditions typical of a chemical manufacturing environment, and is required to wear all designated personal protective equipment (PPE) and to adhere to all safety procedures at all times.
  • The position may require availability outside of standard business hours, including occasional on-call and off-shift support, to address operational needs.
  • Travel is minimal, typically less than ten percent (10%).

Benefits

• paid time off policies, including vacation, sick leave, 12 holidays per year, and paid parental leave for all employees
• health, dental, vision, and long and short-term disability insurance
• employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement
• Chemical Operators are eligible for the annual Local Performance-Based Compensation program

Additional information

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.