Operations Shift Manager

Operations Shift Manager

St. Joseph, MO Plant (onsite)

Schedule: 7 on/7 off, rotating night and day shifts (6a-6p or 6p-6a)

The Shift Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant process equipment and production activities during assigned shifts. This role provides hands-on leadership to plant operators and ensures production targets are achieved while maintaining compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards.

Shift Managers play a key role in day-to-day operations, working closely with department leaders to coordinate resources, resolve process and equipment issues, and support continuous improvement across production, maintenance, logistics, and quality systems.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for operational continuity, especially during off-hours, weekends, and times when department leadership is not on site.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and enforce all health, safety, and environmental (HS&E) policies and procedures, ensuring safe work practices across all plant activities, including chemical handling and equipment operation
• Oversee end-to-end production processes, including utilities, wastewater, laboratory operations, and logistics during startup, normal operations, and shutdown
• Serve as the senior on-shift leader during off-hours, taking full operational responsibility when department managers are not present
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to plant operators, supporting performance, accountability, and professional development
• Maintain strong operational discipline and ensure consistent execution of standard operating procedures
• Monitor, document, and report operating conditions, equipment performance, and process deviations
• Lead and support incident investigations and near-miss reporting, ensuring root cause analysis and timely completion of corrective actions
• Act as the primary on-shift emergency response leader for events such as evacuations, chemical releases, and equipment failures
• Oversee contractors working on-site during the shift, ensuring compliance with safety standards, permitting requirements, and site procedures
• Coordinate with Logistics on feedstock deliveries, product shipments, co-product handling, and storage capacity planning
• Ensure product certification requirements are met in accordance with applicable quality management standards
• Communicate effectively with Operations leadership regarding major issues, unplanned outages, and events requiring escalation or additional support
• Promote a safe, clean, and organized work environment that supports efficiency and operational excellence
• Manage assigned Operations personnel in alignment with company policies, including training, scheduling, task assignment, coaching, and performance management
• Conduct audits of Safe Work Permits to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance
• Participate in shift turnover meetings to ensure accurate and complete communication between shifts
• Ensure maintenance work requests are properly documented and executed through the maintenance management system in accordance with safety requirements
• Partner with training and operations support resources to support ongoing operator development and qualification tracking
• Support implementation and continuous improvement of operations systems, standard operating procedures, HS&E programs, and quality requirements
• Drive operational goals and continuous improvement initiatives through strong communication and leadership on the floor
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the plant
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams in a high-performance, safety-focused environment
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to remain focused in a dynamic operational setting
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and documenting operational reports using Microsoft Office tools
• Associate degree in Process Technology, Engineering Technology, or related STEM field preferred
• Previous experience in manufacturing, industrial operations, or process control environment preferred
• Working knowledge of chemical process safety and hazardous material handling strongly preferred
• Certifications such as OSHA or other safety/process-related credentials highly desirable
• Familiarity with quality systems such as ISO or HACCP preferred
• Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to support troubleshooting and routine equipment checks

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This role requires active presence throughout the plant and frequent movement across production areas. Duties include walking, standing, climbing stairs and ladders, and lifting up to 50 lbs. The position requires frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, pushing, and pulling.

Work is performed in an industrial manufacturing environment with exposure to outdoor conditions, including heat, cold, moisture, and varying noise levels. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required at all times.

For immediate consideration, please send your resume to Samantha@ellawayblues.com