Plant Manager Job

Arkema; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkema is looking for a Plant Manager in Memphis, Tennessee, responsible for the overall operation of the plant, including P/L responsibility and management of 59 unionized employees. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and at least 15 years of progressive manufacturing experience. This role involves maintaining compliance with safety regulations, overseeing financial budgets, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

The position emphasizes leadership in a specialty chemicals environment and offers opportunities to mentor staff and drive safety culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressive manufacturing experience in plant operations, process design, and engineering.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Ensure plant compliance with Arkema guidance, regulatory requirements, and safety programs.
• Maintain safe operating procedures, mechanical integrity, and production volumes.
• Manage hiring, promotion, layoffs, and maintain open communication.
• Prepare and monitor fixed, variable, and capital budgets.
• Mentor and coach staff while supporting programs such as SMART.

Skills

Leadership experience in a specialty chemicals or petroleum plant

Proven track record leading continuous improvement initiatives

Strong knowledge of PC applications, especially Microsoft Office and SAP

Knowledge of latest safety laws and regulations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP accounting systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Plant Manager (PM) has direct responsibility for the overall operation of the Memphis plant, overseeing fixed assets (~$290 million), a $14 M annual RPE budget, variable costs exceeding $19 M, and a capital budget of $4–5 M. The PM holds full P/L responsibility, leads a team of 59 unionized employees, and is accountable for approximately 8 direct reports. The role drives operations, maintenance, HR, engineering, accounting, purchasing, quality, and laboratories while ensuring compliance with all external regulations, industry best practices, and internal policies. The PM also manages change to support business growth and integration of new programs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (%)

• Safety and Environment – 20%: Ensure plant compliance with Arkema guidance, regulatory requirements, and safety programs such as BBS.
• Operations – 50%: Maintain safe operating procedures, mechanical integrity, and production volumes, ensuring adequate training for staff.
• Human Resources – 10%: Manage hiring, promotion, layoffs, salaries, and maintain open communication.
• Financial – 10%: Prepare and monitor fixed, variable, and capital budgets.
• Others – 10%: Communicate with external stakeholders, mentor and coach staff, and support programs such as SMART.

Minimum Qualifications & Education

• Minimum 15 years of progressive manufacturing experience in plant operations, process design, and engineering, preferably across large and small integrated process manufacturing companies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering required.
• Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred.

Competencies – Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Leadership experience in a specialty chemicals or petroleum plant.
• Proven track record leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of PC applications, especially Microsoft Office and SAP accounting systems.
• Knowledge of latest safety laws and regulations.

Health, Safety & Environment (HES) Requirements

• Supports the site HES policy and complies with all regulatory and internal requirements.
• Participates in HES activities such as Behavioral Base Safety and SafeStart.
• Promotes reporting of all health, safety, environmental incidents.
• Drives behavior‑based safety culture and facilitates BBS observations.
• Complies with all external regulatory requirements, industry best practices, and internal policies.
• Coordinates with technical support to ensure operational support.
• Supports compliance for API products meeting regulatory and certification requirements.