Role Overview for EVP, Global Operations with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Houston, TX
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a visionary and results-driven Executive Vice President (EVP) of Global Operations for a premier, high-growth specialty chemicals company headquartered in Houston, TX. Our client is a recognized leader in innovation, sustainability, and quality, serving a diverse range of end markets with cutting-edge chemical solutions. This is a career-defining opportunity to join a dynamic executive leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a global enterprise.
The EVP, Global Operations will be the senior-most operations leader in the organization, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This executive will have comprehensive responsibility for the company’s entire global operational footprint, including manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, engineering, capital projects, and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS). The ideal candidate is a strategic, forward-thinking leader with a proven track record of driving operational excellence, safety, and efficiency across a complex, multi-site international network within the chemical or related process industries.
You will be tasked with developing and executing a world-class operations strategy that supports the company’s ambitious growth objectives, enhances profitability, and solidifies its position as a market leader. This role demands a leader who can seamlessly blend high-level strategic planning with hands-on, tactical execution, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and unwavering commitment to safety and quality.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Global Operations with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Houston, TX
The EVP, Global Operations will be accountable for the performance, strategy, and leadership of all operational functions worldwide. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global operations strategy that aligns with the company’s overall strategic goals and long-range plans.
- Partner with the CEO and other C-suite executives on key strategic initiatives, including market expansion, M&A due diligence and integration, and long-term capacity planning.
- Lead the global operations network optimization, making data-driven decisions on plant capacity, footprint, and capital investments to maximize efficiency and ROI.
- Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, identifying and implementing best practices and new technologies (Industry 4.0, automation) to create a competitive advantage.
Manufacturing & Engineering Excellence
- Provide ultimate oversight for all global manufacturing facilities, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery.
- Drive the implementation and maturation of operational excellence methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
- Oversee the global engineering function, including process engineering, reliability, and the execution of a multi-million dollar capital project portfolio from conception to completion.
- Ensure all products consistently meet or exceed rigorous quality specifications and customer expectations through robust quality assurance and control systems.
Global Supply Chain & Procurement Management
- Lead the end-to-end global supply chain, encompassing demand and supply planning, inventory management, logistics, warehousing, and distribution.
- Develop and implement strategies to build a resilient, agile, and cost-effective supply chain capable of navigating market volatility and geopolitical risks.
- Direct the global procurement and strategic sourcing functions, developing strong supplier relationships and negotiating favorable terms for raw materials, equipment, and services.
- Optimize global inventory levels to balance working capital efficiency with high levels of customer service.
Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Leadership
- Champion a world-class, zero-incident safety culture across the entire organization, ensuring that EHS is the top priority in all operational activities.
- Ensure strict compliance with all local, national, and international environmental, health, and safety regulations, including process safety management (PSM) standards.
- Lead the company’s commitment to sustainability, driving initiatives to reduce environmental impact and improve operational sustainability.
- Serve as the executive champion for industry-leading safety programs, championing the principles of Responsible Care® across all global sites to ensure stewardship and operational integrity.
Financial Acumen & Performance Management
- Develop and manage the multi-hundred-million-dollar global operations budget, including departmental operating expenses and capital expenditures.
- Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for all operational functions, driving accountability and continuous performance improvement.
- Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives and efficiency improvements that enhance profitability without compromising safety, quality, or service.
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global operations leadership team, fostering a collaborative and results-oriented environment.
- Champion talent development and succession planning within the operations organization to build a robust pipeline of future leaders.
- Foster a culture of open communication, transparency, and employee engagement across all levels of the operations team.
Requirements for the EVP, Global Operations with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Houston, TX
The successful candidate will be a seasoned and accomplished operations executive with a history of transformational leadership in a relevant industry. Specific qualifications include:
Education
A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 20 years of progressive experience in operations, manufacturing, and supply chain management, with at least 10 years in a senior leadership role (VP, SVP, or EVP level) with significant P&L responsibility.
Industry Background
Deep experience within the specialty chemicals, petrochemicals, polymers, or a related process manufacturing industry is mandatory. Candidate must be familiar with the complexities of batch and/or continuous chemical processing environments.
Global Scope
Demonstrated experience managing a global footprint with multiple manufacturing sites across different continents and cultures is essential.
Technical Expertise
- Expert-level knowledge of operational excellence principles (Lean, Six Sigma Black Belt certification is a plus).
- Strong understanding of Process Safety Management (PSM) and other critical EHS regulations and best practices.
- Proven track record in managing large-scale capital projects and plant turnarounds.
- Solid understanding of modern supply chain planning systems and ERP platforms (e.g., SAP).
Leadership Competencies
- Strategic Mindset: Ability to see the big picture, anticipate future trends, and develop robust long-term strategies.
Results Orientation
A relentless drive to achieve and exceed goals, with a track record of delivering measurable improvements in safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
Executive Presence
Exceptional communication, presentation, and influencing skills, with the ability to effectively engage with the Board of Directors, investors, customers, and employees at all levels.
Transformational Leadership
Proven ability to lead change, build consensus, and develop high-performing teams in a global, matrixed environment.
Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial principles and the ability to manage large, complex budgets and make sound investment decisions.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
- An attractive base salary commensurate with executive-level experience.
- A significant annual performance-based bonus opportunity.
- A meaningful long-term incentive plan (LTIP) with equity participation (e.g., stock options, RSUs) that aligns rewards with long-term company success.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Executive-level paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule.
- A comprehensive relocation package to the Houston, TX metropolitan area.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and executive coaching.
- The chance to make a lasting impact as a key member of the executive team of a thriving and respected global company.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search process conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a qualified and interested candidate who possesses the requisite experience and leadership capabilities to excel in this critical role, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications for our confidential review.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the chemicals and manufacturing sectors. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence. Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
