POSITION OVERVIEW The Operations Manager has specific responsibilities to drive ESSH, Quality, Productivity, People Development and Cost Control within Ascend’s manufacturing units. He/she must exhibit leadership and communication skills to create alignment and a teamwork environment in the unit. Additionally, he/she will have reasoning capability and the ability to apply sound logic and scientific principles to problem solving. He/she must demonstrate understanding and practical execution of Ascend to Excellence (A2E) concepts and provide the direction to implement these principles in the work unit. TARGETED OUTCOMES Foster a culture of continuous improvement through A2E, focusing on safety, morale, quality, productivity, and cost in that order Identify talent gaps within the team and create a long-term plan to close these gaps Identify SWOTs for the medium and implement plans to address outcomes for the entire operations team KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Operational Leadership Ensure all regulatory and corporate requirements – this includes, but it not limited to ESSH core practices, environmental compliance, ISO 9001 and RC 14000 compliance Deliver and maintain superior safety and environmental performance measured by lagging indicators (first aids, recordable injuries, near misses) and leading indicators (leadership audits, permit compliance, hazard recognitions, etc.) within the unit Provide leadership to ensure employees have the resources and direction to do their jobs Establish clear objectives for each position, communicate them to the employees and provide feedback on performance Encourage team work to drive department metrics and maintain a respective work place Communicate overall direction and plant initiatives using effective communication tools Provide personnel development opportunities for all salaried and hourly employees through development of individual growth plans. Ensure resources are available to provide a productive, smooth operation Continuously improve productivity, reduce waste and energy, and utilize Lean Manufacturing concepts and processes across the organization Deliver AOP commitments and coordinate AOP changes and impact through the Business Operations Planner (BOP) Provide technical leadership to assist manufacturing engineers Supply support to meet manufacturing and quality targets, RFI directing and prioritizing maintenance to achieve targeted OEE metrics, drive quality performance throughout the department to reach all quality metrics. Achieve cost reduction targets through continuous improvement activities (A2E), yield and usage improvements and conversion cost reductions Have complete knowledge of the cost drivers for the manufacturing unit and is responsible for meeting budgeted and forecasted cost targets REQUIRED EXPERIENCE Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and/or Fibers Engineering Minimum 5 years of leadership experience in Chemical Manufacturing Demonstrate knowledge of Chemical processing fundamentals Training in Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing processes REQUIRED SKILLS Thorough knowledge and understanding of environmental safety and health policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations Thorough knowledge and understanding of cost accounting principles, accounting practices, reports and budgets Customer service and problem solving skills Demonstrate leadership and interpersonal skills Excellent oral and written communication skills Excellent coaching and facilitation skills Ability to apply sound logic and scientific principles to problem solving High level of energy and leadership around employees Skills Summary: About Us: Ascend Performance Materials is the premium provider of high quality chemicals, fibers and plastics. With world scale integrated manufacturing facilities we are able to develop new products from our core technologies, and provide flexibility to respond to the expanding needs of customers. Ascend has global sales and distribution facilities across the globe and six manufacturing facilities globally. As a privately-held company, our people do big things and make big decisions, often much earlier in their careers than at larger companies. Ascend Performance Materials offers team members the opportunity to contribute in big, meaningful ways—all within a stable and growing business. Why work at Ascend? Our vision is to be the recognized leader in the nylon 6,6 value chain, creating new possibilities with PA66 for everyone, everywhere, every day. We achieve that through living our Ascend values. We care. We operate safely with high integrity for our employees, our customers and our communities. Our people are our greatest assets, and our Total Rewards Program extends beyond traditional benefits to include access to on-site medical clinics at our U.S. facilities, a global wellness rewards program and Performance Matters, an employee-driven recognition plan. Our Commitment to Zero demonstrates our belief that is it possible to operate with zero personal injuries, zero process safety incidents and zero environmental releases. And the Ascend Cares Foundation, led by Ascend employees, supports Ascend families in times of need, provides inspiring opportunities for community engagement and facilitates community leadership. Customer-focused. We exist for our customers; they drive our actions. Their success is our success. Our plastics and chemicals are building blocks that help make everyday essentials safer and more sustainable, and we constantly strive to develop new and innovative products to meet the future needs of our customers. And that customer focus doesn’t only apply to the marketplace – it also applies to how we treat our colleagues and our fellow community members. Better every day. We invest in our people and our processes to improve every day. A2E, our continuous improvement program, guides the way we do business. And this way of problem solving applies not only to our manufacturing practices but also to our commitment to developing our people. You’ll see it during your career at Ascend in our leadership development, skills training and mentoring programs Agile. We think broadly and lead proactively in a constantly evolving organization and industry. Agility doesn’t mean simply working quickly – it means critical thinking, creative problem solving and novel approaches to everyday challenges. One Ascend. All together, with a common set of goals and an eye toward the future. We don’t accept silos. We look for ways to share across departments, sites and geography. This means you won’t be boxed into a single role at Ascend – you could get the chance to work with teams across the globe to improve the way we serve our people, our customers and our communities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, citizenship, genetic information or other protected status under federal, state or local laws.