Environmental Manager

Title: Environmental Manager  

Location: Pasadena, TX

Who we are:

Voted one of the Nation's Best and Brightest Companies to Work for, Kuraray America, Inc. (KAI) is a global leader in specialty chemical, fiber, and resin production. With top-of-the-line research and production facilities and a vast network of supplies from around the world, Kuraray leads the industry in specialty dental, fiber, resin, and elastomer products. Kuraray America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kuraray Company, Ltd. Based in Tokyo, Japan. Kuraray has operations in 31 countries and employs more than 11,000 employees, including over 800 in the United States.

Why Kuraray:

Kuraray is building a better tomorrow, today. Our team members are dedicated to expanding our business with committed professionals who share essential values such as integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability.

As a part of Kuraray America, Inc., our team shares the advantages of working for the leader in specialty chemicals, resins, and fibers. Our international presence and resources allow us to be a world-leading innovator in the industries we service. Yet, despite our size, our people are more than just a number. As a new team member, you can expect to earn responsibility quickly. Our commitment to our people is visible in our comprehensive benefits package. As a Kuraray team member, you will have the opportunity to enjoy competitive salaries and benefits, incentive opportunities, and an excellent work environment.

Position Summary:

The Environmental Manager will lead the development, implementation, and oversight of environmental programs across the company's domestic operations. This role ensures compliance with environmental regulations, drives sustainability initiatives, and fosters continuous improvement in environmental performance. The manager will collaborate with site personnel and departments to enhance systems and procedures and will supervise a team of Environmental Specialists supporting operational units in achieving environmental compliance and excellence.

Responsibilities:

• Environmental Program Development and Implementation

  • Develop and implement environmental strategies, policies, and programs across multiple locations to ensure compliance with local, state, federal, and company requirements (e.g., EPA, TCEQ).

  • Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives focused on sustainability and environmental impact reduction.

  Sustainability and Resource Efficiency

  • Lead corporate-level environmental initiatives aimed at reducing energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation.

  • Identify and champion opportunities for waste minimization, pollution prevention, and increased resource efficiency.

  Environmental Monitoring and Reporting

  • Monitor and analyze environmental performance across all sites; identify trends and areas for improvement.

  • Report key metrics to regulatory agencies and internal stakeholders, including domestic and international customers.

  Budgeting and Cost Management

  • Develop and manage the annual environmental budget; monitor expenditures and resource allocation.

  Auditing and Compliance Oversight

  • Conduct audits and inspections across sites to ensure compliance with environmental standards; drive the implementation of corrective actions.

  • Review and approve assessments, audits, and regulatory documentation prepared by the team.

  Team Leadership and Supervision

  • Manage and mentor a team of Environmental Specialists across multiple locations.

  • Assign responsibilities, conduct performance evaluations, and support professional development and career growth.

  Risk Management and Emergency Planning

  • Develop strategies to manage environmental risks, including emergency response planning for spills, air emissions, and hazardous waste.

  • Collaborate with Health & Safety teams to align environmental and emergency response protocols.

  Training and Communication

  • Develop and deliver environmental training programs across all levels of the organization.

  • Communicate program goals, progress, and changes to internal stakeholders and executive leadership.

  Stakeholder Engagement and Industry Collaboration

  • Partner with Kuraray Group companies to exchange best practices and implement consistent environmental management systems.

  • Engage with external trade associations to stay informed on regulatory changes and industry standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline
• Minimum of 5 years of environmental experience in a chemical plant setting
• Minimum of 3 years of experience leading people or projects in a supervisory or lead role.
• Proven experience applying HSE principles, concepts, and practices across multi-site chemical manufacturing operations.
• Strong technical expertise in environmental compliance, specifically in air, waste, and wastewater regulations.
• Direct experience working with regulatory agencies such as the TCEQ and EPA.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence teams effectively, using collaboration rather than authority to drive results.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively to various audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, creative thinking, and consulting skills, along with experience delivering impactful presentations.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Advanced problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Highly organized with strong multitasking capabilities.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Competencies:

• Customer Focus
  • Building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions.
• Business Insight
  • Applying knowledge of business and the marketplace to advance the organization's goals.
• Cultivates Innovation
  • Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.

• Action Oriented
  • Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Ensures Accountability
  • Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Drives Results
  • Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstance
• Collaborates
  • Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Difference
  • Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization
• Communicates Effectively
  • Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Courage
  • Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Instills Trust
  • Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Situational Adaptability
  • Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes base pay and an annual incentive. This program is designed to reward individual performance and align overall rewards with corporate and team performance.

Our employees benefit from a robust healthcare package that includes wellness reimbursements, along with generous perks such as three weeks of paid time off, ten company holidays, paid parental leave, education reimbursement, and a matching 401k plan, among other offerings.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S.

Learn more at kuraray.us.com/careers/

Kuraray America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/disability/protected veteran status

No third-party candidates accepted.