Plant Superintendent

Austin Norge AS; Tennessee; On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Norge AS is looking for a Plant Superintendent to manage manufacturing operations at their facility in Tennessee. The ideal candidate will oversee the production of anhydrous ammonia, nitric acid, and ammonium nitrate, ensuring safety and regulatory compliance while optimizing processes.

With over 10 years in chemical manufacturing, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to safety, you will lead a talented team and drive operational excellence. This role includes budget management and resource allocation to meet production targets.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in chemical manufacturing required.
• Strong commitment to safety and operational excellence is essential.
• Ability to work in required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Responsibilities

• Manage and optimize manufacturing operations for chemical production.
• Ensure safety, quality, and compliance with regulations.
• Develop relationships with maintenance, engineering, and commercial teams.

Skills

Understanding of ammonia production

Knowledge of chemical manufacturing processes

Exceptional communication skills

Strong leadership and mentoring skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Chemistry

Tools

Microsoft 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. The primary responsibilities include 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

• Champion safe and efficient work practices.
• Review and audit the performance of each operations crew – completion of assigned work, adherence to safe work practices (LOTO, Hot Work, Safe Work Permit, etc.).
• Provide direct oversight during plant start‑up activities.
• Participate 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.
• Collaborate 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.
• Work directly with the Management Staff to ensure that plant goals are developed and achieved.
• Review inventories, shift logs, process plant logs and other data to measure productivity and determine areas needing attention and improvement.
• Ensure operations procedures, training manuals, and material are accurate and current.
• Ensure shutdown work timeline and schedules are efficient and complete.
• Perform 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.
• Knowledge of chemical manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, supervisory, leadership, and mentoring skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Good analytical, project management, interviewing, research, and problem‑solving skills.
• 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 50 lbs, 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 Statement

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).