LUCAS Coatings is looking for a Director of Manufactuing to lead our LEAN transformation efforts and our growing manufacturing facility in Alsip IL, just south of Chicago, where LUCAS produces silicone, acrylic and asphalt-based coatings, sealants and adhesives for the commercial roofing industry.

We are specifically looking for an experienced leader, capable of managing multiple sites and rapid growth, who understands the demands and challenges of an integrated CASE manufacturing environment and a supply chain.

LUCAS is just moving down the LEAN path – we have made many of the initial changes in support of 5S and simplification, but this role is expected to be the key to mobilizing a company wide effort to implement LEAN/TPS. While there are strong LEAN capable department managers and a strong technical engineering group, we have been missing that leadership and vision needed to fundamentally transform our business.

This is not a desk job and not for someone who is not prepared for a challenge - this is for someone who wants more and has the work ethic to earn it.

LUCAS is a 100yr family-owned business which was purchased in Oct 2021 by Artemis Capital (www.artemislp.com) and we are investing in talent. This is a high growth and high visibility role for someone to lead change, improve results and grow the business.

This role will report directly to the CEO and will sit at the senior leadership table. Salary range is flexible, targeting $150k and benefits include health care, disability, up to 30% annual bonus, equity participation, and relocation for the right candidate.

Direct reports initially include two manufacturing department/factory within a factory managers, plant engineering & maintenance manager, and material handling manager.

The Director of Manufacturing provides leadership of safety, quality, and productivity of the Alsip manufacturing team, the Austin St. Warehouse and overall leadership of the Wood St. manufacturing facility. As such, overall responsibility for meeting clear financial performance targets, service level agreements and operational metrics are integral to success in the role. This role is the senior leader onsite and needs to be prepared for hands on involvement on the plant floor. Process areas include material handling, batch making, batch filling and packaging.

Role:

• Drive safety improvements and safety mindset throughout the organization
• Leadership of production plan – meeting internal & external customer expectations.
• Make decisions on staffing, schedule, and process – drive continuous improvement.
• Lead by setting high standards and operating discipline – train and develop teams.
• Create change – empowers others to achieve greater efficiency and improve their work environment.
• Manage multiple competing requests while maintaining a culture of accountability and execution.
• Manage and control departmental expenses within budget – participate in CAPEX planning
• Interface with business leadership and supply chain for coordination of production/ delivery schedules
• Communicate & Interface with site Maintenance and Technical teams – identify best practices.
• Maintains standards in the areas of safety, attendance, warehouse organization, operational discipline

Skills / Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering strongly preferred - Prefer Chemical or Mechanical
• At least 4 years as a plant manager or above, ideally 5-8 years or more (a pro in position)
• Supply chain management strongly preferred
• Proven track record as a LEAN leader, from mobilization through implementation and continuous improvement
• Chemical manufacturing, batch process, or operations industry experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability meeting commitments on-time – project management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills – experience leading cultural change
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing systems
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to collaborate and build a consensus in a high-pressure environment
• Strong computer skills including MS office ; experience with SAP preferred.
• Work hour flexibility ; strong work ethic, can do attitude.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Days
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Bonus pay

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Chemical or Batch Process: 3 years (Preferred)
• Manufacturing Leadership: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person, Alsip IL