Supervisor, Chemical Processes

Phlow Corporation; Petersburg (VA); On-site; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus programs

Stock options

Medical, life & disability insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

Phlow Corporation in Petersburg, VA seeks a Supervisor, Chemical Processes to oversee front‑line pharmaceutical manufacturing, ensure GMP compliance, coach staff, manage incidents, and drive continuous improvement. Responsibilities include shift supervision, performance reviews, and collaboration with Quality, Engineering, and Maintenance to maintain safe, efficient operations. This role supports 24/7 manufacturing, including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a Science or Engineering discipline.
• Minimum of three to five years previous experience in development, manufacturing or analytical chemistry.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing concepts and RCA tools.
• Knowledge of cGMPs and safety procedures.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate shift operations and manage incident investigations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily manufacturing operations, assign work, monitor productivity, and ensure GMP, safety, and SOP adherence.
• Lead and develop manufacturing personnel through coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Manage incidents, prepare status reports, delegate resources, and resolve conflicts.
• Use data and metrics to identify trends and drive data‑driven decisions.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement CAPAs.
• Conduct daily Tier meetings and communicate KPIs, safety, and quality metrics.

Skills

Leadership

GMP compliance

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Problem solving

Communication

Chemical manufacturing

Safety consciousness

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or engineering

3–5 years experience in development/manufacturing/analytical chemistry

Job description

Description

The Supervisor, Chemical Processes is responsible for supervising and coordinating front‑line pharmaceutical manufacturing operations while ensuring compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and Phlow’s established procedures, and safety requirements. This role oversees a team performing small- to large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing activities using both batch and continuous manufacturing processes. The supervisor provides technical guidance, assigns work, monitors performance, and ensures safe, efficient, and compliant execution of production activities under changing operating conditions. Submit maintenance work orders and issue safe work permits as needed to maintain the equipment of the buildings.

This position requires the ability and willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts as operational needs dictate.

• Supervise and coordinate daily manufacturing operations, including assigning work, monitoring productivity, and ensuring adherence to GMP, safety, and operational procedures.
• Lead and develop manufacturing personnel by providing coaching, training, performance feedback, and direction during shift operations.
• Professionally manage and supervise operational incidents, including preparing daily status reports, delegating resources, resolving conflicts, and leveraging internal support systems as needed.
• Use operational data and performance metrics to track trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and make data‑driven decisions to support production objectives.
• Lead and participate in root cause investigations for process deviations, variances, equipment issues, and safety incidents, and ensure appropriate corrective and preventive actions are implemented.
• Conduct daily Tier meetings, communicate key performance indicators, review safety and quality metrics, and facilitate forward‑looking production planning.
• Review and approve manufacturing documentation and ensure timely completion and accuracy of batch records, logbooks, investigations, and related GMP records.
• Coordinate with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, Supply Chain, and other internal and external support groups to resolve issues and maintain uninterrupted operations.
• Provide technical oversight and troubleshooting for chemical manufacturing processes and escalates issues as appropriate.
• Serve as the primary shift contact with outside emergency responders and service providers when required.
• Ensure effective shift‑to‑shift communication and keep management informed of significant activities, risks, and operational performance.
• Ensure specified product quantity levels, including raw materials and product specifications, are available.
• Drive cost savings through improvements and lean implementation.
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining detailed records.
• Design and implement work methods and procedures to increase productivity and improve service within an assigned department.
• Participate in budget preparation while tracking and establishing progress towards organizational goals.
• Support a 24/7 manufacturing environment, including coverage for 8–12-hour shifts, nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating schedules as needed.

The salary range for this position is $45.00 per hour to $55.00 per hour, with the final offer determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, and education. In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is eligible to participate in Phlow's bonus and stock option programs. Phlow also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, life, and disability insurance; retirement savings plans; paid time off and company holidays; and education‑related benefits. Many of these programs are fully funded or significantly subsidized by the company, reflecting our commitment to supporting the health, well‑being, and professional development of our employees.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience & Qualifications

• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem‑solving skills.
• Must be able to work in chemical manufacturing plant both large and small scale.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft office suite and standard office equipment.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts
• Experience with Root Cause Analysis (RCA) tools
• Experience with potent compounds
• Experience with change management
• Knowledge of chemical manufacturing and plant support systems
• Understanding and working knowledge of cGMPs.
• Good problem solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks.
• Mechanical knowledge of production equipment.
  

Education & Certifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in a Science or Engineering discipline.
• Minimum of three to five years previous experience in development, manufacturing or analytical chemistry.

Working Conditions

Workplace includes areas where chemical materials are encountered. May involve exposure to a variety of chemical environments and high noise areas. Must have a high consciousness for personnel and equipment safety. May be required to use a variety of personal protective equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting Requirements: The ability to lift objects weighing up to 55 pounds routinely. This includes tools, equipment, and materials used in the chemical processing operations.
• Mobility and Flexibility: The job requires frequent reaching, bending, twisting, turning, and climbing. Operators must be able to walk, stand, and climb stairs or crossovers for extended periods, including work at heights above 4 feet.
• Endurance: The position demands the ability to work in various positions such as walking, standing, or sitting for prolonged durations. Ability to climb stairs and ladders safely.
• Environmental Conditions: The work environment may include exposure to indoor factory conditions and outdoor environments with varying temperatures. Operators must be able to work in these conditions and handle exposure to chemical environments and high noise areas.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Operators must be willing and able to wear various types of PPE, including respirators, gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing, as required by the job to ensure safety in potentially hazardous conditions.
• Manual Dexterity and Physical Stamina: The job involves operating tools and machinery, requiring good manual dexterity and physical stamina to handle the rigors of chemical processing and equipment handling.
• Ability to follow multi‑step instructions (up to three steps) accurately.
• Near and far visual acuity required for operating equipment, reading gauges, and monitoring processes