Production Supervisor (Chemical Engineer)

Solenis LLC; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401K

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Solenis LLC in the United States is seeking a VFA Shift Supervisor to lead a production shift, directing a team of operators and contributing to commissioning and startup activities, while driving continuous improvement, safety and environmental performance.

You will partner with Maintenance, Lab, Engineering and Planning to meet production targets, hire and develop operators, issue SAP work orders, and support a smooth transition to a rotating 12‑hour shift schedule after an initial

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Chemical Engineering with 3+ years experience working in a chemical manufacturing environment.
• Must be able to perform physical activities including climbing stairs, prolonged walking, and bending as needed.
• Strong knowledge of hazardous chemical handling.
• Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow direction, lead teams, and communicate across multiple departments.

Responsibilities

• Lead production activities for the assigned shift, providing technical guidance during commissioning and routine operations, resolving process-related issues, and developing operator capabilities.
• Assist in all commissioning and startup activities on the new plant, including hiring of all process operators, implementing commissioning plans, participating/leading trainings, documenting safe work practices, and assisting in development of work rhythms of new plant.
• Create process orders and maintenance work orders within SAP
• Promote and reinforce a strong Safety-First Culture across all operations.
• Be able to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Leadership

Safety leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Coaching

Training

Education

BS Degree in Chemical Engineering

Tools

SAP

DeltaV

Data Historians

MS Office

Job description

Solenis is a leading global provider of water and hygiene solutions. The company's product portfolio includes a broad array of water treatment chemistries, process aids, functional additives, cleaners, disinfectants, and state-of-the-art monitoring, control and delivery systems. These technologies are used by customers to improve operational efficiencies, enhance product quality, protect plant assets, minimize environmental impact, and create cleaner and safer environments. Headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, the company has 78 manufacturing facilities strategically located around the globe and employs a team of over ~23000 professionals in >160 countries across six continents. Solenis is a 2025 Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree.

For additional information about Solenis, please visit www.solenis.com or follow us on social media.

The VFA Shift Supervisor will serve as the technical and operational leader for an assigned shift, by utilizing technical expertise and operations experience to support safe and efficient production. This role will manage and develop a team of roughly four to six direct reports and work closely with other shifts and site departments such as: Maintenance, Lab, Engineering, Material Handling and Planning to drive continuous improvement, maximize equipment performance, and ensure production targets are met. The position is responsible for meeting production goals through strong leadership, sound technical decision‑making, and a commitment to continuous improvement, safety, and environmental performance.

This role will support the commissioning and startup of a new plant on site. While the role will eventually transition to a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, the first 1-2 years will be worked on a Monday-Friday daytime schedule.

Principal Accountabilities

• Lead production activities for the assigned shift, providing technical guidance during commissioning and routine operations, resolving process‑related issues, and developing operator capabilities.
• Assist in all commissioning and startup activities on the new plant, including hiring of all process operators, implementing commissioning plans, participating/leading trainings, documenting safe work practices, and assisting in development of work rhythms of new plant

• Responsible for fostering employee growth through training, coaching, and succession development to build a highly skilled and engaged shift
  • Become certified permit writer to support permits during daily shift, including Safe Work, Hot Work and Line Break of High Hazard material
  • Troubleshoot process and equipment operability/quality issues, identify root causes, and propose solutions
  • Monitor team performance and provide coaching and corrective action when needed.
  • Support operator training, new equipment startup, and team development.
  • Promote and reinforce a strong Safety‑First Culture across all operations.
  • Be able to make sound decisions in a fast‑paced environment
  • Become actively involved in EHS programs, site audits, safety committees, job safety analyses, and other site safety programs
  • Create process orders and maintenance work orders within SAP
  • Conduct routine rounds and actively participate in shift turnover

Success Criteria

• Strives to establish and maintain trust, rapport and respect with all levels of the organization including operators, engineers, maintenance technicians, technical staff, and management.
• Can recognize safety hazards and coach employees in safe work practices to support a zero‑incident mindset for self and others
• Ensures plant is operated to meet productivity/quality targets, ensuring all safety procedures are followed.
• Achieves production goals
• Can thrive within a very fast paced, commercially driven environment
• Has a full working knowledge of the equipment and processes associated with the plant, offload operations, and packaging
• Understands and operates within Federal and State regulations pertaining to safety and environmental requirements (EPA programs, RCRA and DOT) and OSHA
• Maintains high standards of housekeeping in work area
• Be willing to join emergency response team and Incident Command training
• Stay clean‑shaven for respirator usage

Qualifications

• BS Degree in Chemical Engineering with 3+ years experience working in a chemical manufacturing environment.

• Must be able to perform physical activities including climbing stairs, prolonged walking, and bending as needed.
  • Strong knowledge of hazardous chemical handling
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
  • Ability to follow direction, lead teams, and communicate across multiple departments

Preferred knowledge/skills

• Deep understanding and experience with chemical manufacturing process equipment including reactors, distillation columns, and automation.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, SAP, Distributed Control Systems/PLCs (DeltaV), and Data Historians.

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We understand that candidates will not meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you.

At Solenis, we understand that our greatest asset is our people. That is why we offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits which include medical, dental, vision & 401K, and numerous opportunities for professional growth and development. So, if you are interested in working for a world‑class company and enjoy solving complex challenges, whether in the lab or the field, consider joining our team.

Solenis is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Aff…

Should you require assistance in applying to this opportunity, please reach out to Solenis Talent Acquisition at [e-mail]

The expected compensation range for this position is between $77,270.00 and $113,322.00 plus discretionary bonuses. The exact compensation may vary based on your skills, experience and other factors permitted by law.