Production Manager (Chemical Engineering)

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Kelly Engineering seeks a Production Manager (Chemical Engineering) to lead a Georgetown, SC chemical manufacturing campus. You will oversee a 20+ person operation, drive safety and quality, and Champion continuous improvement initiatives.

The role requires a bachelor’s in chemical engineering, 7+ years of hands‑on industrial manufacturing experience, and strong leadership in a fast‑paced batch environment. Onsite, with 24/7 production support."

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering required.
• 7+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial chemical manufacturing; leadership experience desired.
• Knowledge of chemical processing equipment and utilities (reactors, dryers, conveyors, hot oil systems, chillers, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of a chemical manufacturing unit with accountability for production volume, team performance, and product quality.
• Directly manage a team of 20+ operators and technicians in a batch production environment producing powder thickeners.
• Ensure ISO 9001 and customer specifications compliance; oversee reactors, dryers, hoppers, conveyors, packaging lines, and utilities.
• Drive process optimization using SPC, SQC, and Gantt-based production tracking.
• Lead root-cause investigations and CAPA activities; drive continuous improvement in efficiency and cost reduction.

Skills

Leadership experience

Root cause investigations

Cross-functional collaboration

Process optimization tools

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SPC

SQC

Gantt charts

Job description

Kelly Engineering is seeking a DIRECT HIRE - Production Manager (Chemical Engineering) to join one of our leading clients in the Chemical Manufacturing industry at their Georgetown, SC location.

Ideal Candidate:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering required
• 7+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial chemical manufacturing; prior leadership or supervisory experience highly desired.
• In‑depth knowledge of chemical processing equipment and utilities (reactors, dryers, conveyors, hot oil systems, chillers, cryogenic systems, heat exchangers, etc.).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of a chemical manufacturing unit with full accountability for production volume, team performance, and product quality.
• Directly manage a team of 20+ operators and technicians in a fast‑paced batch production environment producing powder thickeners.
• Ensure consistent compliance with ISO 9001, internal quality systems, and customer specifications.
• Oversee and optimize hands‑on operate reactors, dryers, hoppers, conveying systems, packaging lines, and utility systems (hot oil, chillers, cryogenic units, heat exchangers).
• Drive process optimization using SPC, SQC, and Gantt‑based production tracking.
• Lead root‑cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions (OOS, CAPA, and deviation events.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives in efficiency, cost reduction, yield, and 5S/housekeeping standards.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Quality Assurance, Engineering, EHS, R&D/Technology, Logistics, and Maintenance teams.
• Actively participate in Management of Change (MOC), HAZOP studies, and plant safety programs.
• Develop team members through training, performance evaluations, and accountability measures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
• 7+ years of hands‑on experience in industrial chemical manufacturing; prior leadership or supervisory experience highly desired.
• In‑depth knowledge of chemical processing equipment and utilities (reactors, dryers, conveyors, hot oil systems, chillers, cryogenic systems, heat exchangers, etc.).
• Proven track record with ISO 9001 quality systems and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, troubleshoot in real time, and deliver results in a high‑output manufacturing setting.
• Experience with process optimization tools (SPC/SQC), preventive maintenance programs, and cross‑functional collaboration.

Location & Schedule

• Full-time onsite role at our chemical manufacturing campus in Georgetown, South Carolina (Beautiful coastal location between Charleston and Myrtle Beach)
• On‑call availability required to support 24/7 production needs