Operations Manager
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Date:Jul 8, 2026
Location: Lake Charles, LA, US, 70665
Company: W. R. Grace & Co.
Annual Wage Range:$140,080.00 - $192,610.00
Other Compensation: Eligibility for the Short-Term Incentive program and other applicable bonuses
Benefits: U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com) (https://grace.com/people-and-careers/benefits/us-employee-benefits-summary/)
Grace, a Standard Industries company, is a leading global supplier of catalysts, engineered materials and fine chemicals. We provide innovative products, technologies and services which our customers use to manufacture everyday products like renewable fuels, pharmaceuticals, toothpaste, cosmetics, food packaging, beer, edible oils and more. Our thousands of employees help shape a better future at our global headquarters in Columbia, MD and locations worldwide.
Job Description
The Operations Manager is responsible for safe and efficient operations at one of our 24/7 chemical manufacturing plants within the Lake Charles, LA site. As the top leader, they excel technically are people-focused and safety-minded with experience bringing multiple functions together to solve problems safely and effectively.
The Operations Manager develops the leadership team and establishes roles and responsibilities. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager are the Operations Lead, Production Engineers and Operations Maintenance Coordinator.
The Operations Manager reports to the Site Operations Director and is a member of the Extended Site Leadership Team. This is an on-site role in Lake Charles, LA.
Responsibilities
Lead manufacturing employees and a technical team to safely operate the plant and meet production, quality, safety, health, environmental, and cost goals in a 24/7 environment while complying with Federal, State, Local, Grace and Union policies.
Model a mindset and behavior of safe work practices and use of critical life safety rules in everything. Anticipate scenarios which increase safety or production risks, such as winter weather or equipment failure. Develop action plans to mitigate these risks.
Ensure resources and plans are in place to cover plant shutdowns, Job Hazard Analyses and support for off-shifts. Oversee the investigation program and root cause analyses for production losses or safety incidents and ensure proper actions are in place.
Manage the engagement, performance and development of a team of direct reports and indirect reports. Hire, onboard, train, develop and coach direct reports according to Grace policies and management practices. Maintain a positive working environment, resolve personnel conflicts and serve as a sounding board.
Participate in the asset management process including key inputs such as: Capacity, resources, shutdown schedules, and plant trials.
Continuously review the compliance with respect to production, yields, and fixed costs and reports on variances
Support both site and business leadership in develop overall strategies, annual operating plan and other business plans.
Champion the capital program for the assigned plant with input on priorities and scope
Actively support production troubleshooting with technical and leadership skills. Effectively and timely escalate issues to the Site Operations Director.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a related Science or Engineering discipline
10+ years of experience in specialty chemicals or pharmaceuticals manufacturing
5+ years of leadership experience at a plant and/or regional level
Life safety training and proven experience identifying workplace hazards
Ability to work in and support a 24/7 operation
Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or relevant field
Knowledge of EHS (Environmental, Health and Saftey) standards and regualtory compliance.
Experience with Production planning or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).
Supervisory experience in a union environment.
Experience with performance metrics tracking and budget planning.
Experience using Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing principles.
Process scale-up and plant trial experience.
Project and Quality Management System experience.
Experience communicating effectively across all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated leadership experience with transformational change using influence to drive results.
Demonstrated problem-solving experience and attention to detail.
To be considered for this position, candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employer-sponsored work authorization. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or visa transfer.
Physical Requirements and Environment
Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a laboratory environment with highly hazardous materials
Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a pilot plant facility with highly hazardous materials
Ability to work in a high hazard environment, including adverse weather conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and noisy surroundings.
Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb stairs and ladders over 100 ft.
Must be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Life Insurance and Disability
Grace Wellness Program
Flexible Workplace
Retirement Plans
401(k) Company Match
Paid Vacation and Holidays
Tuition Reimbursement
Company Donation Match Program
U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com (https://grace.com/people-and-careers/benefits/us-employee-benefits-summary/) )
Grace is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. Please, no phone calls or emails. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Grace via email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of Grace. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Grace as a result of the referral or through other means.
Nearest Major Market:Lake Charles
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