This position is located in Marshall, MN.

Position.

Plant Manager

About Solugen:

Solugen is a groundbreaking technology company on a bold mission to decarbonize the physical world. At the heart of our innovation is the world’s first sustainable molecule factory—the Bioforge. This unique manufacturing platform uses a chemienzymatic process to convert plant-derived substances into essential materials that have historically been made from fossil fuels—all with minimal emissions and no hazardous waste. A highly scalable and localized alternative to conventional approaches, the Bioforge enables us to produce a range of high-performance, cost-competitive, and sustainable solutions to meet the diverse needs of our customers.

Ready to shape the future? Join us.

Are you passionate about sustainable solutions and combating climate change? We're always on the lookout for dynamic individuals who blend passion with adaptability. You thrive in an environment where curiosity propels you, questions are celebrated, and insights power your work. As a self-starter, you’ll embrace the pace and uncertainty of startup culture– that’s where the best ideas flourish. At our core, we prioritize safety above all, value respect for others, and consider creative problem-solving a superpower.

Outcomes:

• Operations Management: Candidate will lead the transition from a start-up operation into a lean manufacturer. He or she will tackle new production, quality and cost control goals and equip them with the training, tools, processes, and best practices to succeed in a high growth, dynamic environment. At the same time, the candidate will plan and equip new production facilities and build a high-performance product delivery team by mitigating production disruption, address root cause on issues impacting production attainment & drive actions to help improve plant delivery performance
• Enhanced Production Efficiency: The plant manager will work closely with the VP of Manufacturing to implement streamlined processes during construction, start up & commissioning; boosting production efficiency at the Marshall Minnesota plant, resulting in higher output and potential cost savings
• Improved Safety Standards: The plant manager ensures a safe workplace, reducing accidents and injuries at the Marshall Minnesota plant, fostering a culture of responsibility and productivity among employees. Goal is to maintain XXXX goal for safety during construction, start up & commissioning
• Sustainable Growth: The plant manager develops and executes a sustainable growth strategy, prioritizing renewable energy and eco-friendly practices, driving financial success and environmental stewardship at the Marshall Minnesota plant

Responsibilities:

• Enforces compliance of operations personnel relating to administrative procedures, safety rules and company regulations
• Plan production operations, establishing priorities and sequences for manufacturing products using knowledge of production processes and methods, machine and equipment capabilities and labor. Identify capacity constraints, production bottlenecks and implements long term actions to improve output/line efficiency
• Work with Production Planning to revise production schedules and operation levels in accordance with contingency plans as needed to minimize delays in production due to equipment failure or production problems
• Provides leadership, training, development, and oversight to a self-directed management team assigned. Develops strategic operating, capital, and other plans to improve effectiveness of operation
• Develop and manage budgets as well as implementing cost control measures related to maintenance operations budget and location P&L statement to meet short and long term financial goals
• Directly responsible for successful execution of Maintenance Initiatives to attain or exceed specified financial targets.
• Responsible for the optimization of net maintenance cost per unit
• Work with vendor sourcing group to identify potential and preferred vendors for specific facilities and vehicle maintenance services. Responsible for ensuring accuracy of third party invoices and the quality of worked outsourced to vendors
• Oversight and exception management of Payroll, Purchase Order approval and invoice reconciliation, and fuel reconciliation

Key Competencies:

Job Specific

• Attention to detail
• Ability to multitask
• Ability to lead people
• Process safety oriented
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to be a team player
• Ability to walk lines

Company Specific

• Ability to be nimble with a willingness to embrace the speed and ambiguity of startup culture
• Passion for green chemistry and fighting climate change
• Comfort working in multiple roles
• Ability to self-manage and set priorities and schedule
• Creative problem-solving nature
• Appreciation and emphasis for safety above all else
• Respect for others

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry/ Operations / Business Administration or related
• 10-15 years in Chemical or Petrochemical Industry with 10 years of operational and HSE leadership experience
• Proven leadership experience working in high paced environment where making decisions had direct impact on the department and organization
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of environmental safety and health policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations including Process Safety Management
• Excellent prioritization and organizational skills for a fast-paced environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent coaching and facilitation skills
• Proactive leadership and team building skills with the ability to work effectively throughout the organization
• Strong sense of ownership and a drive to improve existing systems and processes

Leadership Profile:

• Sets high expectations and clear direction
• Engages and empowers people
• Drives and delivers performance
• Builds organizational capacity
• Grit, Passion, Courage, Winner, Resilient, Leader among leaders
• Ability to work in fast-paced matrix environment with an evolving culture

Solugen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.