What are the responsibilities and job description for the Plant Manager position at Blachford Chemical Specialties?
Blachford is a chemical manufacturing company producing specialty chemicals for a wide range of industries. Founded in 1921, we continue to succeed by continuously improving how we operate — investing in safety, innovation, and efficient manufacturing practices that deliver value to our customers.
Our facilities are designed to be flexible and responsive, allowing us to adapt quickly while maintaining high standards of quality and service. We are not afraid to make meaningful changes when they strengthen performance or improve outcomes.
This role reports into the Blachford Chemical Group, headquartered in Ontario, Canada, and is based at our facility in Rome New York (west of Syracuse).
The Opportunity
As Plant Manager, you will have full operational responsibility for the site — leading manufacturing, maintenance, materials management, and warehouse functions while building a strong culture of safety.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in manufacturing environments, enjoys improving processes, and can balance day-to-day execution with longer-term operational strategy.
What You’ll Focus On:
- Leading a safe, compliant, and efficient manufacturing operation, with a clear goal of zero incidents
- Driving process improvements and manufacturing efficiencies across production, maintenance, and supply chain.
- Translating production plans into reliable execution while improving throughput, cost, and quality
- Building and developing high-performing teams through coaching, training, and clear goal setting
- Overseeing equipment performance, facility maintenance, and capital or operational improvements
- Managing budgets, cost controls, and operational priorities to support business objectives
- Partnering with senior leadership to shape long-term manufacturing strategy for the site
Your skills and qualifications:
- Engineering background with experience leading operations in a chemical manufacturing environment
- Proven, hands-on leadership of production teams and plant operations
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, safety systems, and regulatory compliance
- Ability to identify opportunities, drive change, and implement practical improvements
- Clear communication style and the ability to align teams around shared goals
If you feel you have the experience, leadership approach, and drive to succeed in this role, we encourage you to reach out and connect with us.
Blachford welcomes all candidates to apply for this position. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates selected to move forward in the process will be contacted. If you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to our Human Resources department for assistance.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $95,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- Manufacturing: 5 years (Preferred)
- Chemical Manufacturing: 5 years (Preferred)
- Process improvement: 5 years (Preferred)
- Commitment to safety: 2 years (Preferred)
- Environmental design: 2 years (Preferred)
- Team building: 2 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Rome, NY 13440 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $95,000 - $120,000