Operations Unit Manager

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom

South Carolina

On-site

USD 130,000 - 150,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Annual bonus

Job summary

A leading staffing agency is seeking a qualified Unit Operations Manager to oversee operations in a chemical manufacturing unit located in Georgetown, SC. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field and at least 5 years of experience in industrial chemical manufacturing. This mid-senior level position requires leadership skills and knowledge of chemical processing equipment and quality systems. A full-time, onsite role, the position offers competitive compensation and a chance to lead a team in a vibrant manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

5+ years of hands-on experience in industrial chemical manufacturing.
In-depth knowledge of chemical processing equipment and utilities.
Proven track record with ISO 9001 and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Lead daily operations of a chemical manufacturing unit.
Manage a team of 20+ operators and technicians.
Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and customer specifications.

Skills

Leadership skills

Troubleshooting

Process optimization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field

Tools

ISO 9001

SPC/SQC

Job description

6 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom provided pay range

This range is provided by Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$130,000.00/yr - $150,000.00/yr

Additional compensation types

Annual Bonus
Direct message the job poster from Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom

Engineering Recruiter and Talent Advocate - Connecting people to work in ways that enrich their lives

Kelly Engineering is seeking a DIRECT HIRE - Unit Operations Manager to join one of our leading clients in the Chemical Manufacturing industry at their Georgetown, SC location.

Please apply to learn more!

Ideal Candidate:

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field strongly preferred (equivalent experience considered).
5+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial chemical manufacturing; prior leadership or supervisory experience highly desired.
In‑depth knowledge of chemical processing equipment and utilities (reactors, dryers, conveyors, hot oil systems, chillers, cryogenic systems, heat exchangers, etc.).

Key Responsibilities

Lead daily operations of a chemical manufacturing unit with full accountability for production volume, team performance, and product quality.
Directly manage a team of 20+ operators and technicians in a fast‑paced batch production environment producing powder thickeners.
Ensure consistent compliance with ISO 9001, internal quality systems, and customer specifications.
Oversee and optimize hands‑on operate reactors, dryers, hoppers, conveying systems, packaging lines, and utility systems (hot oil, chillers, cryogenic units, heat exchangers).
Drive process optimization using SPC, SQC, and Gantt‑based production tracking.
Lead root‑cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions (OOS, CAPA, and deviation events).
Champion continuous improvement initiatives in efficiency, cost reduction, yield, and 5S/housekeeping standards.
Collaborate cross‑functionally with Quality Assurance, Engineering, EHS, R&D/Technology, Logistics, and Maintenance teams.
Actively participate in Management of Change (MOC), HAZOP studies, and plant safety programs.
Develop team members through training, performance evaluations, and accountability measures.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field strongly preferred (equivalent experience considered).
5+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial chemical manufacturing; prior leadership or supervisory experience highly desired.
In‑depth knowledge of chemical processing equipment and utilities (reactors, dryers, conveyors, hot oil systems, chillers, cryogenic systems, heat exchangers, etc.).
Proven track record with ISO 9001 quality systems and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, etc.).
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, troubleshoot in real time, and deliver results in a high‑output manufacturing setting.
Experience with process optimization tools (SPC/SQC), preventive maintenance programs, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Location & Schedule

Full‑time onsite role at our chemical manufacturing campus in Georgetown, South Carolina (beautiful coastal location between Charleston and Myrtle Beach).
On‑call availability required to support 24/7 production needs.

Seniority level