Operations Manager – Chemical Manufacturing

Gurtler Industries is seeking a hands-on Operations Manager with experience in manufacturing or regulated industrial environments who can step into our operation, quickly assess processes, and drive measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and cost performance.

This role is best suited for an operator who is comfortable leading teams, driving process improvements, and using metrics and financial analysis to make decisions and not someone focused solely on maintaining day-to-day operational tasks.

If your background is primarily outside of industrial or manufacturing environments, this role will not be a fit.

What You Will Do

• Partner directly with the COO to develop and execute supply chain strategy
• Design, track, and utilize operational metrics to identify opportunities and measure performance improvements
• Working closely with Management to drive accountability and performance
• Walk the floor, identify inefficiencies, and implement improvements
• Establish and track KPIs across production, labor, and cost performance
• Drive process improvements that reduce costs and increase efficiencies
• Evaluate operational changes and capital investments using data, cost analysis, and ROI to support decision-making
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and chemical handling requirements
• Improve supply chain, inventory, and logistics performance

What We Are Looking For

Required

• 5–7 years of experience in manufacturing or industrial operations, with increasing responsibility in production or operational leadership roles
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required. Relevant hands-on experience in manufacturing or industrial operations will be strongly considered.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, distribution, or regulated environments (food, pharma, industrial)
• Demonstrated ability to use metrics, KPIs, and data to identify opportunities, implement process improvements, and drive operational performance
• Strong financial acumen with the ability to analyze cost, performance, and ROI (formal finance background not required)
• Proven leadership experience in a production or plant environment
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills

Preferred

• Experience evaluating capital investments and ROI
• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience
• Experience in mid-sized manufacturing environments

Who Typically Succeeds in This Role

• Operations Managers or Production Managers with broader operational responsibility
• Leaders who think beyond their department and understand full process flow
• Individuals who are comfortable making changes and improving how things are done
• Operators who use data, not guesswork, to drive decisions

What Success Looks Like

• You can walk into a facility and quickly identify what needs to change
• You are comfortable leading change and improving operations
• You are comfortable using data and financial insight to justify decisions and improvements
• You focus on improving efficiency, cost, and overall performance

Leadership Exposure & Growth

This role works closely with senior leadership and provides visibility into broader operational and business decision-making. The right individual will have the opportunity to expand their scope and take on increased leadership responsibility over time based on performance.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $80,000 – $90,000 annually
• Bonus: Eligible for discretionary annual bonus based on individual and company performance

Benefits include:

• Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents
• Dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Additional voluntary benefits

Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

About Gurtler Industries

Gurtler Industries is a trusted provider of specialty chemical solutions serving commercial and industrial laundry operations across North America. We combine chemical formulation, manufacturing, and distribution expertise to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions to our customers.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced operations leader who can step into a manufacturing environment, quickly identify opportunities, and drive measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and cost, we want to hear from you. Apply today to be considered.