Operations Manager

General Summary: Responsible for overseeing the Operations department and objectives. Responsible for the safe operation of the plant to ensure maximum production quality and optimal efficiency while complying with all city, county, state and federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establishes and communicates Operations department objectives
• Regularly monitors plant production and performance to ensure maximum efficiency and performance in plant operations
• Anticipates and communicates problems and process bottlenecks in order to maximize production and minimize plant down time
• Responsible or the direct supervision of Production Supervisors including delegating responsibilities as needed to keep the department working efficiently
• Communicates regularly with Operations employees to ensure optimal facility performance
• Creates, revises and certifies Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
• Regularly monitor use and inventories of process chemicals and supplies, re-ordering as needed.
• Maintains a good relationship with the plant Maintenance department to coordinate maintenance and repair work to reduce equipment downtime
• Anticipates future needs/priorities and participates in goal setting for the department and the company
• Initiates and implements projects to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs
• Verifies all documents maintained by Production Supervisor are correct and accurate; documents include but not limited to daily logs, transfers sheets, PM’s, ferm sheets, permits, and any other documents needing maintained during a shift.
• Assists with interviewing, hiring and onboarding of Operators
• Actively assists with the career paths of Operators to ensure proper training and development to encourage opportunities for advancement
• Works closely with laboratory staff to ensure compatibility of experiments with the production process
• Implement, oversee and comply with all company health and safety programs to ensure all city, county, state and federal regulations are met at all times.
• Conducts performance reviews
• Completes required training, participates in additional supervisor training and attends additional training/conferences as recommended by the company.
• Performs other duties and tasks as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Dedication – the individual should be committed to achieving results under demanding time frames.
• Analytical skills – the individual synthesizes complex or diverse information.
• Problem solving skills – the individual identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner and gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Oral communication skills – the individual speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations, demonstrates group presentation skills and conducts meetings.
• Delegation – the individual delegates work assignments, gives authority to work independently, sets expectations and monitors delegated activities.
• Leadership – the individual inspires and motivates others to perform well, accepts feedback from others.
• Management skills – the individual includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; makes self available to staff; provides regular performance feedback; and develops subordinates’ skills and encourages growth.
• Quality management – the individual looks for ways to improve and promote quality and demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Judgment – the individual displays willingness to make decisions, exhibits sound and accurate judgment and makes timely decisions.
• Planning/organizing – the individual prioritizes and plans work activities, uses time efficiently and develops realistic action plans.
• Safety and security – the individual actively promotes and personally observes safety and security procedures, and uses equipment and materials properly.
• Integrity – the individual possesses high ethical standards and expects the same from all others in the organization.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in chemical, process or mechanical engineering or related engineering degree preferred. Previous management/supervisory experience required. Strong knowledge of the ethanol production process and technology preferred, with 5 years of experience.

Physical Requirements: Must have ability to lift at least 50 pounds, must have the ability to climb ladders and work at heights of at least 195 feet, enter confined spaces, and must have ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.

Working Conditions: Work areas are exposed to all elements of weather, loud noise, and dusty conditions. Also exposure to chemicals and heavy moving machinery.