Plant Manager

Ox Engineered Products; Charleston (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Retirement Savings: 401(k) options

Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance

Job summary

Ox Engineered Products in Charleston, IL is seeking a Plant Manager to direct daily operations of their Polyiso Insulation manufacturing facility.

Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in manufacturing operations management and leadership skills, ensuring maximum production efficiency and product quality in compliance with safety standards.

The role includes managing budgets, leading a team, and implementing continuous improvement strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• 5 to 7+ years of manufacturing operations management experience, preferably in relevant industries.
• Minimum 3 years of direct supervisory experience in a manufacturing facility.

Responsibilities

• Direct daily operations of the Polyiso Insulation manufacturing facility.
• Ensure maximum production output and product quality while maintaining safety standards.
• Manage the annual operating budget, controlling costs and capital expenditures.

Skills

Manufacturing operations management

Lean Manufacturing

Chemistry and chemical handling

Leadership and mentorship

P&L management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

Tools

Automated PLC systems

High-pressure metering pumps

Job description

Join the OX team, creators of OX-IS—an all-in-one solution meeting building code requirements for structural sheathing, continuous insulation, and weather and air resistive barrier performance.

We’re seeking a Plant Manager who’s ready to be part of an innovative company delivering high-performance building solutions that simplify construction and ensure code compliance.

Job Title: Plant Manager | Req ID: 17084 | HR Contact: Taylor J VALLEY | Location: Building Envelope - Charleston, IL

About The Role

The Plant Manager directs and coordinates all daily operations of the Polyiso Insulation manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring maximum production output, product quality, and cost efficiency while maintaining uncompromising safety standards. The Plant Manager understands the nuances of continuous-line lamination, bulk chemical handling, and the stringent environmental regulations associated with blowing agents such as pentane.

Safety, Health, & Environmental (EHS) Compliance

• Lead a zero-injury safety culture through proactive observation and inspections, regular audits, safety committee reviews, and comprehensive Near-Miss reporting.
• Lead rigid safety protocols regarding the storage, piping, and processing of pentane or other flammable blowing agents, ensuring all Class I, Division 1 explosion-proof areas and gas detection networks are fully operational.
• Ensure absolute compliance with OSHA, EPA, and local environmental permits regarding chemical emissions, hazardous waste disposal, and stormwater management.
• Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health, safety and environmental policies in all work environments and areas.
• Promote a culture of safety and exhibit these behaviors.

Operations & Production Management

• Lead and manage resources to meet customers demand and balance inventory levels, and maximize operational efficiency and excellence.
• Maintain optimal throughput on the continuous line, monitoring line speeds, oven temperatures, and chemical flow rates to meet target metrics.
• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs for complex machinery, including high-pressure metering pumps, mixing heads, laminator slats, and multi-blade cutting saws.

Quality Assurance & Technical Controls

• Oversee processes, systems and controls to consistently produce high quality products within established specifications.
• Lead strict adherence to ASTM standards and third-party quality certifications (e.g., PIMA Quality Mark, UL, Factory Mutual) for R-value verification and fire performance.

Financial & Team Leadership

• P&L - Manage the plant's annual operating budget, controlling labor costs, raw material yields (minimizing chemical scrap and trim waste), and capital expenditures (CapEx).
• Workforce Development: Hire, train, and mentor a cross-functional team of production supervisors, maintenance technicians, chemical operators, and shipping staff.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Management, or a related technical field is highly preferred.
• 5 to 7+ years of manufacturing operations management experience, with specific preference given to polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, or rigid foam extrusion/lamination industries.
• Minimum 3 years of direct supervisory experience managing a full manufacturing facility or a major production department.
• Process Knowledge: Strong familiarity with bulk chemical storage, high-pressure chemical metering, and automated PLC-controlled continuous manufacturing lines.
• Proven track record implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or 5S strategies to improve yield and reduce scrap.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing cost accounting, variance analysis, and budgeting.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, capable of shifting seamlessly from giving technical direction on the plant floor to presenting financial reviews to executive leadership.

Additional Requirements

• Successful candidates must adhere to all safety protocols and proper use of Amrize approved Personal Protection Equipment ("PPE"), including but not limited to respirators.
• Employees that are required to wear respirators must be clean shaven where the respirator seal meets the face in order to pass the qualitative and quantitative fit tests.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Retirement Savings: Choose from 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax savings
• Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance
• Holistic Health & Well-being programs
• Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care
• Vision and other Voluntary benefits and discounts
• Paid time off & paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity)
• Educational Assistance Program