Operations Manage Jobs in Waterloo, IL (NOW HIRING)

About Us

Elementis is a global specialty chemical company, with 1,300 employees operating 17 manufacturing sites across the globe. At Elementis, we bring a distinctive combination of expertise, innovation, and teamwork to every formulation challenge. We create high-value specialty additives that enhance the performance of our customers' products and make a positive change in the world. Combining our leading positions in the science of materials flow, surface modification, and formulation with access to unique natural materials, Elementis delivers unique chemistry, sustainable solutions to customers in a wide range of markets, including cosmetics, anti-perspirants, decorative and industrial coatings, automotive and ceramics.

Job Description Summary

The Operations Manager leads and drives site operations, oversees daily production activities at a chemical manufacturing site, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency standards are met. This role is responsible for managing plant operations, optimizing processes, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve production goals while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements. The Operations Manager drives continuous improvement initiatives, monitors key performance indicators, and ensures adherence to environmental, health, and safety protocols.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Lead Daily Plant Operations: Manage production schedules, resource allocation, and workflow to achieve output targets while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Process Optimization & Engineering: Partner with process engineers to identify bottlenecks, implement improvements, and enhance chemical process efficiency through data-driven analysis and technology upgrades.

Safety & Compliance Oversight: Ensure adherence to OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements, maintaining a strong EHS culture across all operations.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives: Drive Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to reduce waste, improve yield, and enhance overall operational performance.

Maintenance & Reliability Coordination: Collaborate with maintenance teams to minimize downtime and ensure equipment reliability through preventive and predictive maintenance programs.

Budget & Cost Control: Monitor operational expenses, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure alignment with financial targets.

Talent Development & Team Leadership: Coach and develop supervisors and frontline staff, fostering engagement and building capability for future growth.

Key Relationships

Process Engineering Team: Collaborate on process design improvements, troubleshooting, and technology implementation.

Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs: Ensure product quality and compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Maintenance & Reliability Teams: Coordinate on equipment performance and preventive maintenance strategies.

Supply Chain & Planning: Align production schedules with material availability and customer demand.

EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety): Partner to maintain a safe work environment and meet environmental compliance requirements.

Decision making

The Operations Manager has authority to make decisions related to daily plant operations, production scheduling, and resource allocation within approved budgets. This includes determining technical approaches for process optimization, approving engineering methodologies for chemical processes, and implementing improvements that enhance safety, quality, and efficiency. The role also involves decisions on equipment upgrades, minor capital projects, and maintenance priorities in collaboration with process engineering teams.

Higher-level approvals are required for decisions involving significant capital investments, major process redesigns, adoption of new technologies with long-term implications, or strategic engineering changes that impact regulatory compliance or overall business direction.

Additional Job Description

Job Competencies

• Technical and Process Expertise: Deep understanding of chemical manufacturing processes, engineering principles, and regulatory requirements. This competency ensures the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues, optimize processes, and implement innovative engineering solutions that improve efficiency and safety.
• Strategic Problem Solving: Ability to analyze operational challenges, identify root causes, and develop data-driven solutions that align with business objectives. This includes leveraging engineering knowledge to make informed decisions on process improvements and technology adoption.
• Communicates Effectively: Clear and concise communication across all levels of the organization, including technical teams, leadership, and external stakeholders. This competency ensures alignment on operational goals, safety protocols, and engineering initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Commitment to driving process optimization and fostering a culture of innovation. This includes applying Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and integrate advanced engineering practices.
• Collaboration and Influencing: Ability to work cross-functionally with process engineering, maintenance, EHS, quality, and supply chain teams. This competency ensures effective coordination, builds trust, and influences stakeholders to support operational and engineering priorities.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

1. Chemical Process Engineering

• Description: Knowledge of chemical reaction systems, heat and mass transfer, process design, and optimization techniques. Ability to troubleshoot and improve production processes.
• Proficiency: Advanced/Expert - Must lead process improvement initiatives and collaborate with engineering teams on complex technical challenges.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Safety Standards

• Description: Understanding of OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory frameworks governing chemical manufacturing, including hazardous materials handling and environmental compliance.
• Proficiency: Advanced - Must ensure full compliance and lead safety audits and risk assessments.

3. Production Planning & Resource Management

• Description: Ability to develop and manage production schedules, allocate resources efficiently, and align operations with supply chain requirements.
• Proficiency: Intermediate to Advanced - Must optimize workflows and manage operational priorities effectively.

4. Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Description: Application of Lean, Six Sigma, and other process improvement methodologies to reduce waste, improve yield, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Proficiency: Advanced - Expected to lead CI projects and mentor teams on improvement tools.

5. Equipment Reliability & Maintenance Engineering

• Description: Knowledge of preventive and predictive maintenance strategies, equipment performance analysis, and reliability engineering principles.
• Proficiency: Intermediate - Must collaborate with maintenance teams and make informed decisions on equipment upgrades and reliability programs.

Position Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related Engineering Degree is required Experience: 5+ years of chemical manufacturing operations/engineering experience IT Skills: Proficiency in manufacturing and enterprise systems such as ERP platforms (e.g., JDE, SAP, or Workday), process control software (e.g., SCADA, MES), and laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Strong skills in data analytics tools and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) to support reporting, analysis, and operational decision-making. Language Skills: Verbal and written fluency in English Working arrangements: This position is based on-site at the chemical manufacturing facility and requires daily presence to manage operations and ensure compliance with safety and production standards. The role typically follows a standard weekday schedule but may require flexibility for occasional weekend coverage or extended hours during critical production periods. Limited travel may be necessary for training, vendor meetings, or corporate engagements Traveling required: less than 10%

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Elementis does not discriminate in hiring or in the terms and conditions of employment because of an individual's race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, arrest record, citizenship or other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance at any time during our recruitment process, please contact us at NA.Accomodations@elementis.com. Please note: This email is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry about positions or application status. EEOC Poster