Allen Plant - Senior Operations Manager (Projects)

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow’s breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people’s lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken’s curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram and  LinkedIn.

POSITION TITLE

Allen Plant - Senior Operations Manager (Projects) 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Operations Manager (Projects) at our Allen Chemical Plant plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of our operations. This leader will drive innovation through capital projects, enhance safety and compliance, and lead cross-functional initiatives that improve efficiency and sustainability. This position is also being considered as a key succession plan for the Plant Manager role, offering long-term growth and leadership development opportunities within Milliken.

The work schedule for this role is Monday – Friday, 1st shift; however, on occasion you may be required to work additional hours.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Manage plant projects portfolio. 
  • Coordinate with plant finance team to develop, track, and update plant CapEx and expense project budgets 
  • Prioritize project portfolio and allocate resources based on priorities 
  • Oversee the process of safety project identification, reporting and completion. 
  • Evaluate new equipment, materials, and procedures to upgrade and improve the efficiency of present manufacturing processes. 
  • Collaborate with operations, engineering, finance, and corporate leadership to align project priorities. 
• Lead and coordinate plant projects and feasibility studies. 
  • Ensure safe design and introduction of new equipment, products, and processes. 
  • Ensure project management principles and methodologies followed and utilized by the team.  Develop robust tools to strengthen current project management processes 
  • Work with businesses and other stakeholders to develop business case, scope and deliverables for each project. 
  • Ensure report out of project progress. 
• Support safety (PSM, etc.), regulatory compliance, and OSHA VPP Star requirements. 
  • Lead PSM activities at site utilizing plant manager and other department resources to implement 
• Support Daily Operations as backup or reinforcement for specific technical challenges or audits 
• Maintain financial control of the department operation with an established budget. Provide analysis of spending, forecast spending, and cost reduction improvement plans as requested.  Propose annual budgets with appropriate supporting documentation. 
• Coach direct reports on interpersonal communications, team development, individual leadership development, and disciplinary actions, establishing a more cohesive team. 
• Ensure safety process participation of department associates.  
• Conduct staff meetings as needed to communicate department or plant issues as well as identify new issues. 
• Review the resource requirements of the Department to ensure effective technical and production coverage based on sales forecasts, project requirements, ISO and OSHA requirements, and other plant and business needs. 
• Recruit, interview, hire, and educate Management Trainees for the continued growth of the technical function. 
• Regular appraisal (at least twice per year) of the performance of associates directly assigned and review of all associate appraisals in the department, discussing job performance, career objectives and other needs. 
• Support plant manager in sitewide leadership activities as required and serve as backup in their absence 
• Perform other duties within the scope of this function as required by management. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. 
• 8+ years of chemical manufacturing or comparable experience (e.g., process engineering in pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, food production, or other regulated industries involving chemical processes, environmental compliance, or technical project management) 
• Strong knowledge of process safety management (PSM), environmental compliance, and project management processes (PMP) 
• Proven Leadership, people management, and project management experience 
• This position requires candidates to be eligible to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for a work visa (e.g., H-1B, TN, etc.). 

Preferred Skills and Competencies: 

• Professional project training or certification such as PMP, etc. 
• Compelling leadership; a hands-on, lead-by-example leader, with experience in developing people. 
• A thoughtful communication style: must be a good listener with the sensitivity to learn quickly and respect completely the culture of the facility and company; someone who can communicate effectively and equally with line work and senior management. 
• Knowledge of the commonly used Process Control System (e.g. Siemens PCS7, Delta V, etc.). 
• Self-direction and ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities. 

Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact TalentAcquisition@milliken.com.