Plant Superintendent

Austin Powder; Midway (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Powder in Tennessee seeks a Plant Superintendent to lead and optimize operations for a chemical complex producing ammonia, nitric acid, ammonium nitrate solutions and emulsions. You will ensure safety, efficiency, quality, and regulatory compliance while reporting to the Plant Manager.

You will oversee start-up, implement PSM activities, develop weekly to annual production plans, manage budgets, mentor staff, and drive continuous improvement to reduce downtime and waste.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Chemistry preferred.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in chemical manufacturing.
• Budget and project management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Champions safe and efficient work practices.
• Reviews and audits the performance of each operations crew and adherence to safe work practices.
• Provides direct oversight during plant start-up activities.
• Participates in PSM activities including PHA, MOC, PSSR, and investigations.
• Develops and executes weekly, monthly, and annual production plans.
• Mentors staff and drives succession planning.
• Initiates improvements to optimize production processes and reduce waste.
• Develops working relationships with maintenance, engineering, and commercial teams.
• Plans and allocates resources to achieve production targets.

Skills

Leadership

Safety Management

Production Oversight

Budgeting

Cross-functional Collaboration

Root Cause Analysis

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Plant Superintendent manages and optimizes all aspects of the manufacturing operations for a chemical complex producing anhydrous ammonia, nitric acid, ammonium nitrate solution and ammonium nitrate emulsions. Prime responsibilities are ensuring safety, efficiency, quality, compliance with safety and environmental regulations and company guidelines. This position reports directly to the Plant Manager.

Key Responsibilities and Duties

• Champions safe and efficient work practices.
• Reviews and audits the performance of each operations crew - completion of assigned work, adherence to safe work practices (LOTO, Hot Work, Safe Work Permit, etc.).
• Provides direct oversight during plant start-up activities.
• Participates in PSM activities including PHA, MOC, PSSR, and investigations.
• Work with the team to develop and execute weekly, monthly, and annual production plans.
• Maintain a strong focus on employee engagement, talent development, and succession planning.
• Initiate improvements to optimize production processes and reduce waste.
• Develop effective working relationships with other plant areas, including maintenance, engineering, and commercial teams.
• Plan and allocate resources to achieve production targets, including labor, equipment, and materials.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) and take appropriate actions to address any issues.
• Collaborates with Maintenance and Engineering teams to implement maintenance and improvement programs to reduce unplanned downtime and maintenance costs.
• Lead and support initiatives to improve manufacturing performance and stakeholder satisfaction, including incident investigation, root cause analysis, and corrective action.
• Develop and manage the operating budget, including labor and material costs.
• Works directly with the Management Staff to ensure that plant goals are developed and achieved.
• Reviews inventories, shift logs, process plant logs and other data to measure productivity and to determine areas needing attention and improvement.
• Ensure Operations procedures, training manuals and material are accurate and current.
• Responsible for ensuring shutdown work timeline and schedules are efficient and complete.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering or Chemistry preferred.
• 10+ Years of leadership experience in chemical manufacturing.
• Budget and Project Management experience preferred.

Skills, Knowledge, and Requirements

• Strong understanding of Ammonia, Nitric Acid, and Ammonium Nitrate production preferred.
• Knowledge of chemical manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, organizational skills, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent supervision, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Good analytical, project management, interviewing, research, and problem‑solving skills are essential.
• Must have the ability to handle confidential matters in a tactful and professional manner.
• Ability to wear and work-in required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs, lift and carry up to 50lbs, work at heights, and work within confined spaces.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Work Environment

US Nitrogen, LLC operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This position will be exposed to all elements of the weather on the plant site.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affi­rmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job‑related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60‑1.4(a), 60‑300.5(a) and 60‑741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.