Sr. Production Manager

ascendperformancematerials; Alvin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials in Alvin, Texas, seeks a Senior Production Manager to lead the manufacturing unit, ensuring safe operations, reliability, and on-spec product delivery. You will guide a team, drive performance, and implement improvement projects while maintaining ESSH compliance.

The role requires strong leadership, deep knowledge of safety regulations, and a track record in Lean/Six Sigma activities to improve productivity and costs.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• 10+ years in a manufacturing environment with 5+ years in a supervisory role.
• Strong knowledge of environmental safety and health policies, including Process Safety Management.
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills for a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and operational leadership to operate and optimize the manufacturing unit safely, reliably, and efficiently.
• Lead and coach the manufacturing team to meet ESSH, reliability, customer, and productivity targets.
• Drive a proactive, learning, performance-driven work culture aligned to business objectives.
• Own the Unit MOS and drive performance using KPIs and variance resolution.
• Champion improvement projects and ensure unit compliance with PSM and environmental regulations.
• Manage production rates and costs; participate in annual operating plan and budget.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Coaching

Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

Safety Policies

Lean Manufacturing

Education

BS in Chemical Engineering (preferred) or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Ascend Performance Materials is a global leader in high-performance chemicals, fibers and plastics, committed to enhancing quality of life through innovation. With fully integrated manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia, we develop essential solutions that drive safer vehicles, cleaner energy, advanced medical devices, and durable consumer goods. Guided by a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and customer success, we operate responsibly while delivering value through cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise . Join our team and be part of a collaborative environment where your work drives meaningful global impact.

Ascend is searching for a Senior Production Manager for our Alvin, Texas plant. The Production Manager has direct responsibility for all unit personnel and is accountable to drive unit performance to all operational entitlement with respect to safety, yields usages , reliability and quality. This position manages unit operations to achieve annual operating targets. They are accountable for daily direction, technical training including troubleshooting, building effective teams, developing people and following training systems to ensure that safety and ESSH compliance, operational efficiency, and targeted results are met .

TARGETED OUTCOMES

• Maintain our right to operate through our Commitment to ZERO injuries, process safety or environmental events
• Overseeing unit operations in support of production plans.
• Production at or above annual operating plan
• Product is on specification and on time
• Develop individual processors to advance in knowledge and capabilities
• Create a culture of employee engagement, teamwork, ownership, trust, creativity, innovation and growth

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A ccountable for providing the technical and operational leadership necessary to operate and optimize the manufacturing unit safely, reliably and efficiently while complying with all applicable regulations. Leads an Ascend manufacturing team with accountability for the following:

• Providing leadership and people development to set priorities and high expectations , drive for results, engage employees, and effectively measure and manage operating performance in the areas of ESSH, Reliability, Customer and Productivity
• Driving a proactive, learning, productive, and performance-driven work culture that is aligned to meet key business objectives
• Driving consistency through visible leadership, developing, and coaching the manufacturing engineers, production specialists, and unit shift leaders, Holding them accountable to their roles
• Owner of Unit Management Operating System (MOS). Drive unit performance through effective use of meetings, KPIs and resolution of variances
• Championing and implementing improvement projects and processes that support key business objectives
• Owns unit compliance with PSM and Environmental regulations
• Conducting and participating in ESSH audits and completing corrective actions for ESSH recommendations
• Manage production rates and operating conditions without sacrificing safety or product quality
• Contributing to development of the annual operating plan and budget, performing unit cost analysis, and driving productivity improvement
• Providing manufacturing updates/costs reviews to the business team
• Implementing and leading Operational Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and ISO management improvement efforts
• Supporting the capital management process
• Coordinating and collaborating across the site with customers and support units/departments

TEAM

Reports to: Operations Director

Team Members: Unit Team Members and OLT

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• BS in Chemical Engineering (preferred) or Mechanical Engineering
• A minimum of 10 years' experience in a manufacturing environment plus 5+ years in a supervisory position
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of environmental safety and health policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations including Process Safety Management
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills for a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent coaching and facilitation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse team environment through all levels of the organization
• Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing knowledge and experience

L eaders at Ascend...

Lead with Integrity, Flexibility, Courage, Passion, Confidence, Commitment and Creativity

Career experiences include Promotions, Process Improvement Projects, Growth Assignments, etc.

Demonstrate the ability to Delegate, Communicate, Coach, and conduct SWOT analysis, Performance Management activities and Change Management activities

Preferred/Desired Skills:

• Knowledge and experience with Solids Handling processes and equipment
• Experience with packaging and bulk loading operations
• Demonstrated experience in Root Cause Failure Analysis
• Experience with effectively