Operations Manager

Operations Manager – Life Sciences

near Danbury, CT

Are you looking to advance your manufacturing leadership career within a growing life sciences and specialty chemicals organization? This Operations Manager role focuses on overseeing chemical handling, packaging, planning, scheduling, inventory management, shipping operations, safety compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure operational excellence and customer satisfaction. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on leadership, process optimization, employee development, and driving performance within a chemical manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead day-to-day chemical handling, packaging, inventory, planning, scheduling, and shipping operations

• Manage, coach, and develop a team of 30–40 employees while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT, FDA, and company safety standards

• Conduct safety audits, inspections, and training programs to maintain a safe working environment

• Monitor production performance and implement initiatives to improve efficiency, productivity, and operational effectiveness

• Oversee inventory management of raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods

• Ensure product quality standards and customer requirements are consistently achieved

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action activities related to operational and quality issues

• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and optimize processes

• Identify production bottlenecks and implement process improvements to increase throughput

• Monitor and report key operational metrics including safety, quality, inventory, production, and on-time shipment performance

• Collaborate with Quality, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and Leadership teams to achieve business objectives

• Support employee development through training, coaching, performance management, and succession planning

• Utilize ERP systems and operational data to drive decision-making and operational improvements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, or related field preferred

• Minimum of 5 years of Operations Management experience within chemical manufacturing, specialty chemicals, solvents, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or related industrial environments

• Experience overseeing chemical handling, packaging, hazardous materials, blending, or batch manufacturing operations

• Experience leading teams of 30–40 employees within a manufacturing environment

• Strong knowledge of OSHA, EPA, DOT, FDA, and hazardous materials compliance requirements

• Experience managing flammable or hazardous chemicals while maintaining strict safety standards

• Background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, continuous improvement, and process optimization initiatives

• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, inventory management, and shipping operations

• Experience utilizing ERP systems and inventory management software; D365 experience preferred

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and operational troubleshooting abilities

• Excellent communication, leadership, employee development, and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced manufacturing environment

Benefits:

• Medical insurance

• Dental insurance

• Vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

• Retirement savings program with company contributions

• Paid time off

• Professional development and training opportunities

• Career advancement opportunities

• Employee-focused culture centered on growth and development

Salary:

$140,000 – $150,000 (Depending on Experience) 10% bonus