Role Overview for EVP, Global Engineering & Manufacturing with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search for a transformative Executive Vice President (EVP) of Global Engineering & Manufacturing on behalf of our client, a multi-billion dollar, market-leading specialty chemicals company. Based at their strategic hub in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this pivotal role is a cornerstone of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. The successful candidate will be an inspirational and visionary leader, entrusted with shaping the future of the company’s entire global operational footprint. This is a rare opportunity to steer a world-class organization through its next phase of growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
The EVP will assume ultimate responsibility for the strategy, execution, and performance of all manufacturing sites and engineering functions across North America, Europe, and Asia. You will be the driving force behind a culture of continuous improvement, unwavering safety, and impeccable quality. Your leadership will ensure that the company’s manufacturing and engineering capabilities are not only best-in-class but also a significant competitive advantage in the global marketplace. You will be tasked with optimizing a complex network of assets, managing a substantial P&L, and leading large-scale capital investment projects that will define the company’s capacity and technological edge for years to come. This role demands a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of translating high-level corporate objectives into tangible operational results and fostering a culture of accountability and high performance across a diverse, global team.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Global Engineering & Manufacturing with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
The EVP will have a broad and impactful mandate, with key responsibilities that include:
Strategic Leadership & Global Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global manufacturing and engineering strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term growth, profitability, and sustainability goals. Proactively assess market trends, technological advancements, and geopolitical factors to ensure the operational network is agile, resilient, and forward-looking.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion and embed a culture of operational excellence across all global sites. Drive the rigorous implementation of methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity. Establish, monitor, and relentlessly pursue world-class Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost (SQDC).
Global Plant & Asset Management
Provide executive oversight for all manufacturing facilities worldwide. Ensure operational consistency, standardized best practices, and optimal asset utilization across the network. Lead strategic decisions regarding plant capacity, footprint optimization, and network rationalization to maximize ROI and support commercial objectives.
Capital Projects & Engineering Leadership
Direct the global engineering function, from conceptual design through to commissioning and startup. Oversee the entire capital project portfolio, ensuring major projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of safety and quality. Provide technical stewardship and ensure the organization maintains a deep level of engineering expertise.
Financial & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for global manufacturing operations. Develop and manage annual operating budgets, long-range capital plans, and cost-saving initiatives. Drive financial discipline and accountability throughout the organization to deliver on financial commitments.
Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Stewardship
Serve as the ultimate champion for a world-class, zero-incident safety culture. Ensure unwavering compliance with all local, national, and international safety and environmental regulations. Uphold the principles of Responsible Care® and ensure robust systems are in place for Process Safety Management (PSM) and environmental stewardship.
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Uphold and advance the company’s reputation for superior product quality and consistency. Oversee global Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) programs, ensuring adherence to ISO standards and other relevant industry certifications. Ensure all operations meet or exceed customer expectations and regulatory requirements.
Talent Development & Organizational Leadership
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global team of engineering and manufacturing professionals. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment. Identify and develop the next generation of operational leaders through succession planning and targeted development programs.
Technology & Innovation Integration
Drive the strategic adoption of new technologies to create ‘smart’ factories. Champion digitalization initiatives, including Industry 4.0, IoT, automation, and advanced data analytics, to enhance decision-making, improve processes, and secure a competitive technological advantage.
Requirements for the EVP, Global Engineering & Manufacturing with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
The ideal candidate is a seasoned and accomplished executive with a proven history of leading complex, global operations within the chemical industry. We are seeking a leader who combines deep technical expertise with exceptional business acumen and inspirational leadership.
Educational Background
A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred, demonstrating a strong foundation in business and financial strategy.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in manufacturing and engineering roles within the specialty chemicals, petrochemicals, or related process industries. At least 10 years of this experience must be in a senior executive leadership position (e.g., VP, SVP, or EVP) with full P&L responsibility for a global, multi-site manufacturing network.
Technical & Operational Expertise
Demonstrated mastery of leading large-scale, continuous and batch chemical manufacturing operations. Deep expertise in managing a significant capital project portfolio, with a proven track record of successfully executing projects valued in excess of $100 million.
Continuous Improvement Acumen
Expert-level knowledge and practical application of Lean and Six Sigma principles. Certification as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt or Black Belt is highly desirable.
Safety Leadership
An unwavering commitment to safety, with a proven track record of leading organizations to top-tier safety performance. Deep familiarity with process safety management (PSM), behavior-based safety programs, and global HSE regulatory frameworks.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels of the organization, from the plant floor to the boardroom. Superior communication, negotiation, and presentation skills are essential.
Strategic & Financial Acumen
Proven ability to think strategically, analyze complex situations, and make data-driven decisions. Strong financial literacy with experience managing multi-hundred-million-dollar budgets and capital plans.
Global Mindset
Significant experience working in a global capacity, with a nuanced understanding of cultural differences and the complexities of international business. Willingness and ability to undertake global travel (estimated at 30-40%).
Change Management
Experience leading successful organizational change, including post-merger integration, business process re-engineering, and cultural transformation is a significant asset.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a substantial long-term incentive plan (equity-based).
Retirement & Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match and potential for additional deferred compensation programs.
Health & Wellness
Premier, comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
Relocation
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package to assist with the move to the vibrant Baton Rouge, LA area.
Work-Life Balance
Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays, to support a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Growth
Ongoing opportunities for executive coaching, professional development, and engagement with industry-leading organizations.
Impact & Legacy
The unparalleled opportunity to shape the operational future of a global industry leader and leave a lasting legacy.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. If you are a visionary operations leader with the experience and passion to drive excellence on a global scale, we invite you to apply for this confidential opportunity.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and suitability for the role. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing practice page. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss this exciting role in more detail.
