Outplant Operations Specialist

Nouryon; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Nouryon is seeking an Outplant Operations Specialist in Houston to optimize warehousing and external facility operations. The role focuses on supplier relationships, inventory accuracy, and cost management across third-party logistics partners, with regular site visits to ensure reliability.

You will lead performance reviews, monitor KPIs, and implement improvements while coordinating with regional and global teams to drive efficiency. This is a full-time onsite position based in Houston.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field, or equivalent work experience of at least 8 years in site logistics or warehousing.
• Minimum of 5 years of warehousing, logistics, or supply chain operations with supervisory experience.
• Strong SAP knowledge with focus on material movements and inventory investigations.
• Experience with WMS and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent English communication, both written and verbal.
• Willingness to travel ~30%.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with 3PLs and storage providers to ensure performance and service quality.
• Monitor SHE&S performance across facilities in line with Nouryon policies.
• Lead supplier performance reviews and drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee inventory control, counts, discrepancies, and adjustments.
• Use SAP to track movements and support inventory accuracy.
• Monitor costs, review invoices, and support budgeting.
• Escalate operational issues and coordinate with stakeholders to resolve root causes.
• Support onboarding/offboarding of facilities and update documentation.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Independent work

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

SAP

WMS

MS Excel

Job description

Outplant Operations Specialist

At Nouryon, our global team takes positive action every day, to reach higher collectively and individually. We create innovative and sustainable solutions for our customers to answer society's needs – today and in the future. We are looking for an Outplant Operations Specialist with strong experience in warehousing, logistics, inventory management, and third-party supplier relationships to join our team. If you enjoy building partnerships, optimizing operational performance, and driving continuous improvement across supply chain operations, this could be the opportunity for you!

About the Job

As an Outplant Operations Specialist, you will serve as the primary operational contact between Nouryon and assigned third-party logistics and storage providers. You will oversee operational performance, safety, inventory accuracy, contract compliance, and costs across external facilities, including warehouses, storage terminals, and depots. This role offers a high level of autonomy, combining supplier relationship management, operational problem‑solving, and regular visits to external facilities to ensure reliable and efficient supply chain operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with third‑party logistics and storage providers, including warehouses, bulk storage terminals, and depots, ensuring operational performance, contract compliance, and service quality.


• Monitor safety, health, environment, and security (SHE&S) performance across assigned facilities, ensuring adherence to Nouryon policies and standards.


• Lead supplier performance reviews, monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), investigate service failures, and implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.


• Oversee inventory control activities, including annual stock counts, cycle counts, inventory discrepancy investigations, and inventory adjustments.


• Use SAP to track material movements, investigate inventory discrepancies, and support accurate inventory management.


• Monitor operational costs, validate supplier invoices, support budgeting activities, and manage cost approvals.


• Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues and customer complaints, collaborating with internal stakeholders and external partners to identify root causes and implement solutions.


• Support the onboarding and off‑boarding of third‑party facilities and services, maintain operational documentation, and collaborate with regional and global teams to improve processes and efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent work experience of at least 8 years in site logistics or warehousing.


• Minimum of 5 years of experience in warehousing, logistics, or supply chain operations, including supervisory or management responsibilities.


• Strong working knowledge of SAP, particularly material movements, inventory transactions, and inventory discrepancy investigations.


• Strong understanding of warehouse operations, inventory control, supplier relationship management, and operational performance evaluations.


• Experience using warehouse management systems (WMS) and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.


• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret operational data, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to collaborate across organizational levels and with third‑party service providers.


• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and travel approximately 30% of the time, with occasional periods of increased travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the chemical manufacturing or specialty chemicals industry.


• Experience working with different types of logistics and storage facilities, including warehouses, bulk storage terminals, and depots handling ISO tanks or containers.


• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Total Quality Management.


• Experience supporting logistics process optimization, operational improvement projects, or third‑party warehouse transitions.

The Ideal Candidate

• Collaborative and relationship‑focused: You build strong relationships with suppliers, colleagues, and stakeholders while communicating effectively across different teams and functions.


• Analytical and solution‑oriented: You use data and sound judgment to investigate inventory discrepancies, identify root causes, and resolve operational challenges.


• Independent and accountable: You take ownership of your responsibilities, demonstrate initiative, and work effectively with minimal supervision.


• Continuous improvement mindset: You proactively identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance service quality, and optimize operational performance.


• Adaptable and resilient: You manage competing priorities, embrace change, and remain focused on delivering results in a dynamic environment.

Have We Got Your Interest?

This is a full‑time permanent, onsite position reporting to the Regional Outplant Manager and based in Houston (15115 Park Row, Houston, TX 77084). The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The position requires approximately 30% travel, primarily within the United States, with occasional potential travel to Canada or Mexico. Travel may increase during certain periods, particularly around year‑end inventory counts.

About Nouryon

Our employees are driven by the wish to make an impact and actively drive positive change. If that describes you, we will gladly make way for your ambitions. From day one, we support your personal growth through challenging positions and comprehensive learning and development opportunities in a dynamic, international, diverse, and proactive working environment. Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn. #WeAreNouryon #GrowWithUs #LI-Onsite