Associate Director of Operations

SUMMARY

The Associate Director - Operations coordinates the work process of multiple Compounds Plants in a safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant manner to produce a cost-competitive product that meets customer requirements. The position is responsible for ensuring that all operations are conducted in accordance with appropriate local, State, and Federal rules and regulations. The Sr. Manufacturing Manager is responsible for developing capable and qualified leaders to meet the manufacturing objectives while setting manufacturing goals and budgets. The position is responsible for soliciting and initiating new approaches to problems encountered and making timely decisions.

SUPERVISORY REESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and manage Plant Managers for multiple sites:

• Set operations strategy aligned to business strategy and execute the strategy.
• Responsible for all Global Compounds manufacturing facilities in North America. Coordinate and set operational direction for multiple Compound Manufacturing Plants.
• Plan and coordinate the work of plant management staff.
• Oversee staff and ensure they meet goals and objectives.
• Identify, attract, hire, and train staff.
• Develop plant managers and plant management leadership teams capable of creating and maintaining top tier operational facilities that deliver safety, cost and customer satisfaction.
• Identify key talent within the organization and create development plans for future growth opportunities.
• Conduct performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Provide training and mentoring as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Ensure all sites have high environmental, safety, and health standards. Achieve 1st quartile TRIR performance.
• Deliver annual budget plans for cost and establish robust forecasting processes.
• Prepare monthly and other reports required to keep management informed on plant performance, progress of projects, improvements made and other items as necessary.
• Create continuous improvement programs across all sites that improve cost, inventory, and customer satisfaction.
• Prepare budgets and CAPEX forecasts to support the business plan and effectively execute those CAPEX plans.
• Contribute to the North America business leadership collaborating with commercial, supply chain and R&D groups to deliver business growth objectives.
• Assist in troubleshooting and solving problems of large systems and processes.
• Facilitate successful customer site visit by having sites “show ready” at all times.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• BS degree in Chemical/Mechanical Engineering (or similar discipline)
• A minimum of ten (10) years of manufacturing or chemical plant experience is required
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience. Preference for previous experience in management of multiple facilities or multiple organizations is required.
• Plant financial acumen and proven track record to maintain competitive cost structure
• Proven history of using lean and/or six sigma and new technologies to improve plant operations

REQUIRED BEHAVIORAL SKILLS

• Demonstrated ability to exhibit Westlake Behaviors.
• Able to frequently make decisions with limited information.
• Able to create a culture of respect and accountability.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, high level of attention to detail and adaptability to changing business requirements.
• Ability to communicate vision.
• Must value and embrace collaboration, within your team and cross-functionally.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk and climb; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, and infrequently lift and/or move up to 20 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is sometimes moderate when working in an office, however, some of the work may be required in the operating units which mandates usage of required PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including safety glasses, hearing protection, etc. During active remediation additional requirements may include fit testing for respiratory equipment, chemical suits, face shields, etc. May also result in exposure to outside elements and may require usage of stairs. Moderate travel (20-40%) may be required in the performance of duties.