Job Title: Plant Manager
Location: Petersburg, Virginia, USA
Job Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Plant Manager to lead production operations at client's Petersburg, Virginia facility. In this role, you will oversee all manufacturing activities, including production, safety, maintenance, asset management, and continuous improvement initiatives. You will work closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Laboratory, and senior leadership teams to ensure the plant operates safely, efficiently, and in line with company growth objectives.
This position is ideal for a proactive, high-energy leader with deep experience in chemical manufacturing and a passion for operational excellence. Candidates must bring strong mechanical integrity, reliability understanding, and a proven track record of running chemical plants.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Execution
- Serve as the primary owner of all manufacturing operations, including production, maintenance, and facilities/asset management.
- Lead day-to-day plant activities to ensure safety, output, cost, and delivery metrics are consistently achieved.
- Monitor and analyze production data to identify performance gaps and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure compliance with all industry safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Production Supervisors to strengthen operations and drive performance improvements.
- Work closely with Supply Chain, Laboratory, and Quality teams to optimize production processes and resolve technical issues.
- Lead and support capital improvement and capacity expansion projects aligned with company growth plans.
Continuous Improvement
- Develop and drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on:
- Productivity and efficiency
- Waste reduction
- Quality enhancement
- Safety and ergonomics
Maintenance & Reliability
- Oversee plant maintenance activities and ensure strong mechanical integrity.
- Collaborate with Maintenance Manager and reliability teams to address equipment performance and long-term asset health.
Financial & Administrative Oversight
- Manage plant budget, resource allocation, and cost control in line with financial goals.
- Prepare and present performance reports to senior management, including production, safety, and operational challenges.
People Leadership
- Serve as the primary owner of staff development within the plant.
- Motivate and mentor operational teams, fostering a culture of safety, respect, and continuous improvement.
Requirements
Education & Training
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field (Chemical Engineering required for Petersburg role).
- Strong understanding of chemical manufacturing processes, safety regulations, and compliance requirements.
Experience
- 10+ years of chemical manufacturing leadership experience (8–15 years acceptable for highly capable candidates).
- Proven experience managing chemical plant operations; multi-unit or complex site leadership is a plus.
- Experience in batch or continuous manufacturing environments; Chlor-alkali experience highly valued.
- Strong mechanical integrity and reliability knowledge.
- Demonstrated success leading teams and managing diverse workforces.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to use CMMS platforms.
- Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Leadership & Behavioral Competencies
- High-energy, hands-on leadership style with strong floor presence.
- Excellent communication, including written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Strong planning, organizing, and time management skills.
- High professionalism and attention to detail.
- Commitment to safety, environmental responsibility, and innovation.
Unlock Your Potential. Apply Now!
About Airswift
Airswift is a global workforce solutions provider specializing in the engineering and technology sectors. With operations spanning over 70 countries, we boast a talent pool of over 9,000 contractors and 1,000 employees. Our unparalleled reach and expertise are unmatched in the industry. Learn more about Airswift at https://www.airswift.com/blog.