Unit Manager

PQ Corp.; Joliet, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

PQ Corp. in Joliet, IL is seeking a Gel Department Manager to lead operations, safety, and quality for the gel products. You will coordinate with site leadership to meet production goals while upholding PQ's safety and environmental commitments.

The role emphasizes budget development, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement through CQI, Six Sigma, and lean practices, with responsibilities spanning from daily supervision to strategic program execution.

Qualifications

• BS degree in a technical discipline is required.
• Engineering degree with advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of chemical manufacturing experience, preferably in a union environment.
• Three years of supervisory or management experience.
• CQI methods such as SPC and Six Sigma.
• Knowledge of OSHA safety principles.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 and RC 14001.
• MS Office and SAP proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Informs Site Manager of successes, issues, problems or concerns of Gel Department.
• Ensures the Gel plant operates within all EHS requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Develops and administers yearly plant budget.
• Directs Operators to assure product quality and optimal utilization of personnel and facilities.
• Provides technical assistance and instructions to correct off-standard conditions; acts as incident commander when Site Manager is absent.
• Directs operators in safe operation and control of equipment for Xerogel, Hydrogel and Warehouse.
• Monitors and controls unit performance; reports deviations and corrects them.
• Leads and participates in EHS, quality and productivity initiatives.

Skills

CQI techniques

OSHA safety principles

Safety leadership

Team leadership

Continuous improvement

Education

BS Degree in technical discipline

BS Degree in Engineering (advanced degree a plus)

Tools

Microsoft Office

SAP

Job description

PQ is a leading global provider of silicates, silicas and derivative products. PQ’s products are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and many customer products, from decorative paints to green cement, from clean drinking water to green tires and from toothpaste to biofuels and beer.

Ideal candidates resonate with PQ’s Core Values of Integrity, Sustainability, People, Customer Focus and Safety. Successful employees embrace and model these values in their behaviors and actions.

Job Description

• Informs Site Manager of all successes, issues, problems or concerns of Gels Department.
• Ensures the Gel plant and surrounding areas operates within all federal, state, local and company Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) requirements, policies, and procedures.
• Develops and administers yearly plant budget.
• Directs Operators to assure product quality and quantity at optimum utilization of personnel and facilities.
• Provides technical assistance and instructions to correct off-standard and emergency conditions, serves as incident commander when Site Manager is not present.
• Provides direction for operators in the safe operation and control of all equipment associated with Xerogel, Hydrogel and Warehouse.
• Involved with product planning and scheduling of all Gel assets, including multiple SKUs.
• Monitors and controls unit performance. Reports deviation from plans and budget and takes action to correct deviation
• Encourages and implements participative management strategies to assure commitment to the business of all plant personnel.
• Encourage and implement teamwork environment.
• Participates and develops yearly goals with Union employees and management.
• Ensures work areas are maintained in a clean and safe condition.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, local and corporate/plant regulations, requirements, policies and procedures.
• Manages operations to assure good environmental practices and stewardship to preserve PQ’s good neighbor efforts.
• Actively involved with the plant safety committee.
• Encourages commitment to CQI principles and Responsible Care and the use of techniques and methods to move safety, quality and production to levels at or above the goals the plant has set.
• Demonstrates health, safety and environmental leadership and commitment to Responsible Care®.
• Works with maintenance manager in directing maintenance efforts
• Serves as management representative for ISO9001 and any food, safety or environmental certifications.
• Responsible for the areas as defined in the Joliet Plot Shaded responsibilities under Management Systems, PQ Vision.
• Leads and participates in EHS, quality and productivity initiatives.
• Encourages and supports employee development.
• Performs special projects or other duties as directed.

Qualifications

• Minimum: BS Degree in an appropriate technical discipline.
• Desired Level: BS Degree in Engineering with an advanced degree a plus.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the chemical industry in a manufacturing environment, preferably a Union environment.
• Three (3) years of supervisory or management experience of increasing responsibility
• CQI techniques and methods, such as SPC and Six Sigma.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations and safety principles.
• Working knowledge of management systems, such as ISO 9001 and RC 14001
• Working knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance.
• Computer skills, such as Microsoft Office and SAP.

Additional Information

Special Factors

• Customary work hours 7 am – 4 pm, 5 days per week
• Available on nights and weekends for emergency management situations

EHS Responsibilities

• Communicates, promotes and personally demonstrates Safety/Health (including PQP Principles) as #1 priority
• Participation in risk assessment audits as applicable
• Understand PQ Principles (PQP) and how they are implemented in the site organization, rules and procedures
• Completes HSE training requirements identified for the job in a timely manner