Plant Superintendent

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

Job summary

Austin Powder is seeking a Plant Superintendent to lead and optimize the manufacturing operations of a chemical complex producing ammonia, nitric acid, ammonium nitrate solutions and emulsions. The role emphasizes safety, quality, and regulatory compliance while achieving production targets and reporting to the Plant Manager.

The incumbent will oversee startup activities, participate in PSM programs, develop production plans, manage budgets, and mentor staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher 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.
• Provides direct oversight during plant start-up activities.
• Participates in PSM activities including PHA, MOC, PSSR, and Investigations.
• 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 relationships with maintenance, engineering, and commercial teams.
• Plan and allocate resources to meet production targets.
• Monitor and report on KPIs and address issues.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering to reduce downtime and costs.
• Lead and support initiatives to improve manufacturing performance and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Develop and manage the operating budget including labor and materials.
• Review inventories and logs to measure productivity and identify improvements.
• Ensure procedures, training manuals and materials are current.
• Ensure shutdown work timelines are efficient.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Ammonia/Nitric Acid knowledge

Chemical manufacturing

Leadership

Project management

Communication skills

Problem solving

PPE safety

Physical ability

MS Office

Safety excellence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

Join the Family - Come work for an exciting company offering great benefits, challenging opportunities, and colleagues who feel more like family.

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 andmaintenance costs.

• Lead and support initiatives to improve manufacturing performance and stakeholder satisfaction, including incidentinvestigation, 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.

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affiantive 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.