Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer with a Specialty Chemicals Producer – Baton Rouge, LA
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search for a dynamic and visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO) on behalf of our client, a premier, growth-oriented specialty chemicals producer located in the industrial heart of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and serving as an integral member of the senior leadership team. The COO will be the driving force behind the company’s operational strategy, responsible for translating the company’s vision into world-class execution across all facets of manufacturing, supply chain, and quality assurance.
As the COO, you will hold ultimate responsibility for the safety, efficiency, quality, and financial performance of the company’s multi-site operations. You will be a strategic partner to the CEO, instrumental in shaping the company’s future, scaling its operations, and enhancing its competitive position in the global marketplace. This role requires a seasoned leader with a deep understanding of the specialty chemicals sector, a relentless focus on continuous improvement, and a proven ability to build and inspire high-performing teams. You will be tasked with optimizing complex processes, managing significant capital projects, and championing a culture of safety and operational excellence that permeates every level of the organization. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on a thriving enterprise, driving profitability and sustainable growth while upholding the highest standards of environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer with a Specialty Chemicals Producer – Baton Rouge, LA
The Chief Operating Officer will direct and manage the company’s operational activities to achieve strategic goals and financial objectives. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Operational Leadership
Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop and implement the company’s strategic plan. Translate high-level strategy into actionable operational goals, policies, and systems that drive performance and growth.
P&L and Financial Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for all operational divisions. Develop and manage annual operating budgets, capital expenditure plans, and financial forecasts. Drive initiatives to improve gross margins, reduce operational costs, and optimize working capital.
Manufacturing Excellence
Oversee all manufacturing activities across multiple plant sites to ensure production goals are met safely, on time, and within budget. Implement and champion operational excellence methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ)
Champion a world-class, zero-incident safety culture. Ensure absolute compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including those from the EPA and OSHA. Uphold the highest quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001) and ensure all products meet or exceed customer specifications. Maintain a deep understanding and rigorous application of standards like the OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) standard for highly hazardous chemicals.
Supply Chain and Logistics Optimization
Direct the end-to-end supply chain, including procurement, planning, inventory management, warehousing, and logistics. Develop robust supply chain strategies to mitigate risk, ensure continuity of supply, and reduce costs. Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and logistics partners.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber operational leadership team. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Implement effective performance management systems and succession planning for critical operational roles.
Capital Project Management
Oversee the planning, justification, and execution of major capital projects, including plant expansions, equipment upgrades, and new technology implementations. Ensure projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and deliver the expected return on investment.
Technology and Innovation
Drive the evaluation and adoption of new manufacturing technologies, automation, and digital tools (Industry 4.0) to enhance operational efficiency, data analytics, and overall competitiveness.
Stakeholder Management
Serve as a key representative of the company with customers, suppliers, regulatory agencies, and the local community. Effectively communicate operational performance and strategy to the CEO, board of directors, and other key stakeholders.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer with a Specialty Chemicals Producer – Baton Rouge, LA
The ideal candidate is a results-oriented executive with extensive experience leading operations within the chemical manufacturing industry. We are seeking a professional with the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree in business or management is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience within the chemical manufacturing industry, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive capacity (e.g., VP of Operations, Plant General Manager, COO) with full P&L responsibility.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable experience in the specialty chemicals sector is essential. Familiarity with batch processing, reaction chemistry, and complex manufacturing environments is critical.
Operational Excellence Acumen
Proven track record of successfully implementing and sustaining continuous improvement programs (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.) that have resulted in measurable improvements in safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial principles, including budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and P&L management. Ability to analyze complex financial data to inform strategic decisions.
Leadership & Communication
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse team. Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, capable of effectively communicating with all levels of the organization, from the plant floor to the boardroom.
Regulatory Knowledge
In-depth knowledge of environmental, health, and safety regulations (EPA, OSHA) and quality management systems (ISO). A history of successfully leading operations with an outstanding safety record is non-negotiable.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and holistically while also being hands-on and detail-oriented. Proven ability to anticipate future trends and challenges and develop proactive operational strategies.
Location
Must be willing to reside in the greater Baton Rouge, LA area. A comprehensive relocation package is available for the selected candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) tied to company performance.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a strong company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
Executive-level paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and sick leave.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package to ensure a smooth transition to Baton Rouge, LA.
Professional Development
Support for continued learning, executive coaching, and participation in industry conferences and associations.
Additional Perks
Company-provided vehicle or allowance, life insurance, and disability coverage.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this Chief Operating Officer search. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, 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 utmost discretion.
We invite you to learn more about our expertise in this sector by visiting our Industrial, Manufacturing, and Chemicals executive search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your experience aligns with this exceptional leadership opportunity.
