Sr. Production Manager

Ascend Performance Materials; Alvin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Ascend Performance Materials in Alvin, Texas, is seeking a Senior Production Manager to lead the manufacturing unit, drive safety, reliability and quality, and deliver on operating plan. You will manage day-to-day operations, coach teams, and coordinate with support functions to achieve targets.

The role requires 10+ years in manufacturing with 5+ years in supervision, strong leadership, and expertise in ESSH, Process Safety Management, and Lean practices.

Qualifications

• BS in Chemical Engineering (preferred) or Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years in manufacturing with 5+ years in a supervisory position.
• Thorough knowledge of environmental safety and health policies and Process Safety Management.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills; excellent communication and coaching abilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability to work across diverse teams with lean manufacturing knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and operational leadership to run the manufacturing unit safely, reliably and efficiently.
• Develop and coach the manufacturing engineers, production specialists, and shift leaders; ensure safety and performance targets are met.
• Own MOS, drive unit performance using KPIs, and manage variance resolution.
• Lead continuous improvement projects; ensure unit compliance with PSM and environmental regulations.
• Support annual operating plan, budgeting, cost analysis, and collaboration with cross-site stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Safety awareness

Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing

Team building

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

Accountable 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

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

Leaders 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 leading manufacturing teams in a guest-company contractual relationship

About Us

Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high-quality chemicals, fibers and plastics focused on improving quality of life and inspiring a better tomorrow through innovation. We are a fully integrated material solutions provider with manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and Asia.

Our global workforce makes the materials used to make safer vehicles, cleaner energy, better medical devices, smarter appliances and longer-lasting apparel and consumer goods. We are committed to safety, sustainability, and the success of our customers and our communities.

Why work at Ascend? Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values: OARS. Our OARS values shape how we work, lead, and grow together. We take ownership, stay accountable, operate reliably and support one another to deliver results safely and consistently. Through clear expectations, empowered decision-making, intentional communication and continuous feedback, we create a culture built on action, visibility, and shared success. Together, OARS gives us a shared language and clear direction. These values guide our decisions, shape priorities and set expectations as we move forward - aligned, focused and committed to creating performance materials that improve lives today and inspire a better tomorrow.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.