Operations Manager

Brenntag; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid parental leave

Education assistance

Employee assistance program

Healthcare options + 401(k)

Job summary

Brenntag is seeking an Operations Manager to supervise production and oversee facilities at the Richmond, VA site. You will apply your strong background in batch chemical production, lead a safety‑conscious team, and ensure operations align with budgets and corporate policies.

You will develop annual production schedules, drive efficiency, mentor staff, participate in audits, and lead capital projects from inception to completion while maintaining high safety, quality, and customer service

Qualifications

• College degree or equivalent experience required.
• Strong background in batch chemical production process.
• 3 to 5 years supervisory experience in chemical industry.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Proactive with minimal supervision and good organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations facilities, assets, and personnel per safety and budgets.
• Assist production departments and supervise as needed.
• Develop annual budget and control operational expenses.
• Develop process descriptions and training requirements.
• Set priorities and production schedules.
• Drive efficiency improvements and safety KPI.
• Oversee inventory to meet customer demand.
• Lead capital projects from inception to completion.
• Participate in audits and plant visits.
• Lead and mentor team; conduct performance reviews.

Skills

Leadership

Time management

Safety

Communication

Batch chemical production

Education

College degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Enterprise management software

Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Our team currently has an opening for an Operations Manager.

The Operations Manager is responsible for the supervision and coordination of operations and production at the facility. The position requires an individual with a strong background in batch chemical production process, excellent time management skills and a proven record of successful leadership skills in a chemical manufacturing industry, or a similar related field.

YOUR ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIEs

• Manage the operations facilities, assets, and personnel, ensuring that all operational activities are conducted safely, efficiently and effectively while ensuring conformance with all Corporate and local policies, programs, legislation and budgets.
• Assist production departments and, if necessary, assume direct supervision of one or more departments.
• Develop annual expense and capital budget and manage operational activities to control expenses incurred by operations in accordance with the operations budget expectations.
• Development of process descriptions and subsequent training requirements.
• Assist in setting priorities and production schedules based on safety issues, customer needs, equipment failures, and other operational challenges.
• Aggressively pursue efficiency improvements.
• Manage operational activities to meet inventory and customer demand requirements.
• Develop and implement operating procedures which improve safety, improve product quality, and/or eliminate operational challenges.
• Develop and maintain a positive work environment by actively driving employee initiatives aimed at enhancing engagement and satisfaction.
• Develop redundancy through cross training within production departments. Manage personnel and assign manpower to the greatest need.
• Assist/lead in driving Capital projects from inception to completion.

Quality/Safety:

• Immediately report all conditions that either could have/or result in safety, quality, and environmental incidents.
• Identify and recommend changes or improvements, where appropriate, that enhance quality, health, safety, and the efficiency of processes.
• Inspect and verify the satisfactory performance of facilities, equipment, and processes.
• Participate in quality/customer service meetings, assist in project development, drive assigned projects to completion.
• Lead/participate in investigations. Ensure assignments for production and the lab investigations are completed in a timely manner.
• Participate in monthly safety meetings and inspections.
• Drive plant-wide participation in and value-creation through the safety KPI program.
• Emphasize housekeeping to improve safety.
• Monitor and coordinate disposition of waste and nonconforming material.
• Manage and enforce production and safety standards.

Other Functions:

• Review and approve plant invoices.
• Participate in customer and regulatory audits.
• Lead/participate in customer plant visits.
• Training
• Lead/assist operations manager with plant wide meetings.
• Train operations personnel and ensure maintenance of training records.

Leadership:

• Leads and inspires a high performing Operations Team that supports Brenntag's Core Values and the Brenntag Way execution for business conduct and compliance.
• Lead by example / be a 'servant leader'.
• Coach, guide, and develop direct reports. Hold all reports accountable for performance and safety.
• Mentor direct reports.
• Execute performance reviews.
• Discuss and support pursuit of career progression.
• Advise operations manager on administration of discipline and issue disciplinary warnings when necessary.

Education and Experience:

• College degree or equivalent experience required.
• Strong background in batch chemical production process required
• 3 to 5 years supervisory experience, preferably in distribution and/or chemical industry.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills with both fellow employees and customers.
• Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
• Driven, proactive individual who works well with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills. 8. Computer skills sufficient to perform the job requirements (enterprise management software, Word, Excel, Outlook).

OUR OFFER

• We aim to create an environment where the best people want to work, where they can turn their passion into their job and realize their full potential.
• Individual development, on-the-job training, and development programs designed to help our employees grow in their careers.
• Paid parental leave
• Education assistance program
• Employee assistance program
• Various healthcare plan options as well as 401(k)

Brenntag provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees of all backgrounds and identities to create a workplace where difference is valued because it forms a resilient and more innovative organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, religion or belief, parental and family status, or any other protected characteristic. We welcome applications from women, men and non-binary candidates of all ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at [e-mail] (phone, tty, fax, email, etc.).

Brenntag North America, Inc. and its subsidiaries use E-verify, a government-run, web-based system that allows employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. For more information, please go to https://www.e-verify.gov/employees or view the poster at https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster.pdf.