Resin Polymerization & Milling Operations Manager

Nippon Paint Automotive Americas; Lansing (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nippon Paint Automotive Americas Inc. is seeking a plant leader to oversee resin and milling production, ensuring safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets are met. You will coordinate with Procurement, Maintenance, and Quality to keep lines running smoothly and drive continuous improvement.

The role requires hands-on supervisory experience, EPA/OSHA knowledge, and SAP/VPC experience. You will lead cross-functional teams across shifts and report on budgeted goals.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemistry or Engineering is required.
• 5+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing operations.
• EPA and OSHA knowledge including PSM required.
• SAP experience preferred; VPC experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Full-scale management of resin and milling production activities to meet safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.
• Own cost center budgets and report against goals aligned to the business plan.
• Direct and indirect supervision across shifts with First-Line Leaders.
• Establish production and quality standards with leadership; implement SOPs and Process Control Tables.
• Coordinate cross-functionally with Procurement, Maintenance, and Quality Control to maximize resource utilization.
• Analyze production, quality, maintenance, and operational reports to identify root causes and fix nonconformities.
• Provide training and upskilling plans; continuously improve training programs.
• Collaborate with Engineering to modify equipment for throughput, safety, and quality gains.
• Deliver timely performance appraisals and feedback to drive engagement.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data-driven decisions

Communication

Independent work

Continuous improvement

SOP governance

Education

BS in Chemistry

BS in Engineering

Tools

SAP

VPC

Job description

Your next chapter in chemical manufacturing leadershipImagine walking the floor at the start of shift: safety huddles completed, production priorities clear, and your Resin and Milling teams aligned on targets for quality, cost, and delivery. You’re the point person who keeps polymerization and dispersion lines running smoothly, connects the dots across Procurement, Maintenance, and Quality, and makes the right call when a schedule must flex. That’s the daily rhythm of this role.What you’ll leadFull-scale management of resin and milling production activities, meeting safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.Ownership of cost center budgets and reporting against goals aligned to the broader business plan.Direct and indirect supervision across shifts, setting priorities with First-Line Leaders and coaching teams for performance.Establishment of production and quality standards in partnership with leadership; implementation of policies, SOPs, and Process Control Tables.Active participation in Supervisor Safety Meetings and delivery of routine safety and communications meetings with employees.Cross-functional coordination with Procurement, Maintenance, and Quality Control to maximize utilization of people, equipment, and materials.Data-driven review of production, quality, maintenance, and operational reports to identify root causes and correct nonconformities.Training and upskilling plans for team members; continuous enhancement of the departmental training program.Development and sustainment of operating methods that eliminate issues, raise efficiency, and strengthen product quality.Agile rescheduling and reprioritization in response to equipment downtime, staffing changes, material constraints, or quality concerns.Collaboration with Engineering to modify and improve equipment for throughput, safety, reliability, and quality gains.Timely, accurate performance appraisals and routine feedback to drive engagement and accountability.Compilation, maintenance, storage, and retrieval of operational data to inform decisions and continuous improvement.What you’ll bringBS in Chemistry or Engineering.5+ years of supervisory experience in manufacturing operations.Hands-on knowledge of EPA and OSHA requirements, including Process Safety Management (PSM).Experience with reactive chemistry and associated control systems.SAP experience preferred; VPC experience a plus.Strong analytical and data-centric decision-making skills; advanced computer proficiency.Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities; comfortable working independently.Proficiency in continuous improvement, SOP governance, distribution interfaces, supervisory leadership, and coaching/mentoring.Rewards that recognize your impactBonuses: attendance incentives, annual merit increases, and an annual incentive bonus plan.Time away: 11 paid holidays each year plus paid time off to support balance.Health & retirement: comprehensive health and welfare options, and a 401(k) program with an exceptional company match.Growth & recognition: tuition reimbursement, employee recognition programs, and clear pathways to advance.Culture & community: be part of the NPAA family with events throughout the year celebrating our teams.Our commitmentNippon Paint Automotive Americas Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.