Sr. Director, Manufacturing

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Full Time Management Houston Office, Houston, TX, US

Sr. Director of Manufacturing

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced, energetic, and technically proficient Director of Manufacturing to provide leadership and operational oversight across eight chemical manufacturing facilities, including four plants under Sterling Specialty Chemicals (SSC) and four under Sterling Multi-Chem (SMC), one of which is located in Saudi Arabia.

Theidealcandidatewillhaveextensiveexperienceinchemicalmanufacturing,particularlypolymers,surfactants,specialtychemicals,andchemicalformulations.Thisindividualmustcombinestrongtechnicalknowledgewithexceptionalleadershipskillsandahands-onapproachtomanagingmulti-sitemanufacturingoperations.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring significant domestic and international travel, strong engagement with plant leadership, and a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Providestrategicandoperationalleadershipacrosseightchemicalmanufacturingfacilities,ensuringconsistentperformance,accountability,andoperationalexcellence.
• Lead,mentor,anddevelopplantmanagersandmanufacturingleadershipteams.
• Applystrongtechnicalknowledgeofpolymers,surfactants,chemicalformulations,andmanufacturingprocessestosupportoperationsandresolvecomplexproductionchallenges.
• Driveimprovementsinsafety,quality,productivity,equipmentreliability,manufacturingefficiency,andcostmanagement.
• EstablishandmonitoroperationalKPIs,budgets,andperformanceobjectivesacrossallfacilities.
• PartnerwithEngineering,R&D,Quality,andEHStooptimizechemicalmanufacturingprocesses,troubleshoottechnicalissues,andensureregulatorycompliance.
• Identifyopportunitiesforcontinuousimprovement,processstandardization,andoperationalefficiencies.
• Maintainastrong,hands-onpresenceatmanufacturingfacilities,activelyengagingwithemployeesandplantleadership.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.

Education, Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor'sdegreeinChemicalEngineering,Chemistry,oracloselyrelatedtechnicaldiscipline.Otherengineeringdegreesmaybeconsideredwithextensivespecialtychemicalmanufacturingexperience.
• Minimum10yearsofprogressivechemicalmanufacturingexperience;15+yearsstronglypreferred.
• Strongtechnicalproficiencyinpolymers,surfactants,specialtychemicalformulations,andchemicalprocessingoperations.
• Demonstratedabilitytocommunicateeffectivelywithchemists,chemicalengineers,andtechnicalteamsregardingcomplexchemicalmanufacturingprocesses.
• Significantmanufacturingleadershipexperience,includingoversightofplantoperations,plantmanagers,ormultiplemanufacturingfacilities.
• Provensuccessindrivingoperationalimprovements,developinghigh-performingteams,anddeliveringmeasurableresults.
• Strongunderstandingofmanufacturingsafety,environmentalcompliance,processoptimization,andcostmanagement.
• Excellentleadership,communication,decision-making,andproblem-solvingskills.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively, both domestically and internationally, including Saudi Arabia.

Preferred:

• 15+yearsofchemicalmanufacturingexperiencewithatleastfiveyearsinseniorplantormulti-sitemanufacturingleadership.
• Directexperienceinpolymermanufacturing,surfactants,specialtychemicals,batchprocessing,orchemicalblending.
• ExperiencewithLeanManufacturing,SixSigma,orothercontinuousimprovementmethodologies.

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a high-energy, hands-on leader who understands the chemistry behind the manufacturing process. This individual must be technically credible, comfortable discussing complex chemical processes with chemists and engineers, and capable of leading plant managers across multiple locations.

The successful candidate will be proactive, results-driven, and willing to spend significant time in our manufacturing facilities, building relationships, developing teams, and driving operational improvements.

This is not simply an operational oversight role. We need a leader who brings deep chemical manufacturing expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and the energy and commitment to drive results across all eight facilities.