Operations Manager

Element Solutions Inc; West Haven (CT); On-site; USD 129,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Wellness Program

PTO/Holidays

401(k) plan

Job summary

Element Solutions Inc. is seeking an Operations Manager for our West Haven, CT facility. You will lead all plant functions, drive a culture of safety and continuous improvement, and deliver key metrics across safety, quality, productivity, and cost.

This role partners with leadership to align operations with strategy and customer needs. You will champion Lean, Six Sigma, and data-driven decision making while ensuring regulatory compliance and asset protection.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical engineering, chemistry, industrial engineering, operations management, or related technical discipline.
• Significant leadership experience within a chemical manufacturing or process manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of driving operational excellence, culture change, and measurable continuous improvement results.
• Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead all plant functions including manufacturing, warehousing, maintenance, planning, quality, and support operations.
• Drive safety, quality, accountability, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
• Deliver key business metrics across safety, quality, productivity, service, inventory, cost, and profitability.
• Align plant operations and resources with company strategy, growth objectives, and customer needs.
• Develop organizational problem-solving capabilities through coaching and root cause analysis.

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Leadership experience

Regulatory compliance

Data-driven decisions

Six Sigma

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related technical discipline

Tools

ISO 9001

ISO 14001

ISO 45001

Job description

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Division: Advanced Interconnect Solutions - Wafer Level Pack

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future!

MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions, a business segment of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI), is renowned worldwide for its commitment to revolutionizing the electronics industry. With a legacy spanning over a century, we have continually set new benchmarks for excellence, reliability and sustainability in electronic materials.

• Wafer Level Packaging - Revolutionizing wafer fabrication processes for enhanced efficiency and performance
• Circuitry Solutions - Tailored solutions to meet the dynamic demands of modern circuitry
• Electronics Assembly Solutions - Innovating semiconductor, surface mount technology, and power electronics assembly for unparalleled reliability
• Advanced Materials and Joining - Engineering polymer and metal joining solutions for optimally performing circuits
• Film & Smart Surface Solutions - Transforming electronics with cutting-edge materials and technologies for enhanced functionality and reliability
• Micromax – Elevating electronics through high-performing, specialized inks and pastes

Across diverse sectors including automotive, consumer electronics, mobile devices, telecom, data storage, infrastructure, and AI, MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions has earned the trust of manufacturers worldwide. Our comprehensive range of high-quality solutions and technical services enables the entire electronics supply chain, empowering businesses to thrive in today's competitive landscape.

We embody the 'Elements of our Culture'- our 5C's; Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose, and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders, to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.

Who are we looking for?

The Operations Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of the manufacturing facility. This individual owns plant operations, safety, quality, delivery, cost, employee engagement, and the site's continuous improvement journey. The successful candidate will foster a culture of operational excellence through a relentless pursuit of continuous improvement, critical thinking, and disciplined execution.

This leader challenges the status quo respectfully and constructively, continually seeking better, safer, faster, and more efficient ways of operating. They are a visible servant leader who values people, builds high-performing teams, develops future leaders, and creates an environment where employees are empowered to contribute, innovate, and excel.

The Operations Manager leads through influence, collaboration, accountability, and data-driven decision making to achieve world-class manufacturing performance while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality, environmental stewardship, and customer satisfaction.

What will you be doing?

Plant Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead all plant functions, including manufacturing, warehousing, maintenance, planning, quality, and support operations.
• Drive a culture of safety, quality, accountability, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
• Deliver key business metrics across safety, quality, productivity, service, inventory, cost, and profitability.
• Align plant operations and resources with company strategy, growth objectives, and customer needs.
• Protect company assets and maintain facility security.
• Lead and own the plant’s continuous improvement strategy and transformation.
• Foster a culture focused on waste elimination, problem-solving, and daily performance improvement.
• Champion Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma, Visual Management, Standard Work, and Tiered Accountability.
• Develop organizational problem-solving capabilities through coaching and root cause analysis.
• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, throughput, inventory, asset utilization, and overall operational performance.

Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure a safe, environmentally responsible workplace and full regulatory compliance.
• Lead HSE and Quality Management Systems, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications.
• Maintain effective training, audits, inspections, and risk mitigation programs.
• Promote a culture of safety ownership and proactive risk management.
• Lead, coach, and develop leaders and employees to achieve high performance.
• Build a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, trust, and continuous learning.
• Attract, retain, and develop talent through hiring, training, succession planning, and performance management.
• Foster open communication, employee involvement, and professional growth.
• Create an environment where employees feel valued, empowered, and motivated.

Financial & Business Performance

• Support annual budgets, capital investments, and growth initiatives.
• Manage costs while improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability.
• Analyze operational performance and implement actions to optimize working capital and ROI.
• Communicate results, risks, and improvement plans through regular operating reviews.

Management Operating System (MOS)

• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of the site’s Management Operating System.
• Champion tiered accountability, visual management, and performance review processes.
• Ensure decisions are driven by accurate data, metrics, and disciplined problem-solving.
• Quickly identify and address performance gaps to drive sustainable improvement.

Who are You?

Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline.
• Significant leadership experience within a chemical manufacturing or process manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of driving operational excellence, culture change, and measurable continuous improvement results.
• Strong expertise in Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence methodologies.
• Demonstrated success leading manufacturing organizations through transformational improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing performance through KPIs, visual management systems, and structured management operating systems.
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance, environmental health and safety requirements, and quality management systems.

Preferred

• Experience within the electronics, semiconductor, specialty chemicals, or advanced materials industries.
• Six Sigma certification or advanced operational excellence training.
• Experience leading ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certified manufacturing facilities.

What competencies will you need?

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• An unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• A relentless pursuit of continuous improvement and world-class performance.
• Strong critical thinking and analytical problem-solving capabilities.
• The courage and confidence to respectfully challenge the status quo.
• Exceptional leadership presence and organizational influence.
• A servant leadership mindset focused on developing people and building teams.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong business acumen and results orientation.
• High emotional intelligence, integrity, and accountability.
• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.

We are Offering...

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future - You will be part of a highly collaborative culture that promotes continuous improvement through cross-functional partnerships to achieve our mission. We do this through a strong and unified culture and transparent management, which has empowered us to create high-performing global teams that achieve superior solutions for our customers.

As part of the MAES Team, you will have ...

Opportunities for career growth, competitive compensation (competitive base salary and performance-related bonus plan), and benefits packages (health, dental, and vision insurance, Wellness Program, PTO/Holidays, as well as a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match).
Innovative work environment where you will be a part of a dynamic and collaborative team.
Perks and incentives include paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for professional development.

The typical base salary range for this position is between $128,636 and $165,000 and is based on a variety of factors including experience, education, and skillset.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category applicable under federal, state and local laws.

Nearest Major Market: New Haven
Nearest Secondary Market: Hartford