Role Overview for Director of Plant Engineering with a Chemical Manufacturing Co. – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, forward-thinking chemical manufacturing company in their search for a dynamic and experienced Director of Plant Engineering. Based in the strategic industrial hub of Houston, Texas, this pivotal leadership role is responsible for the comprehensive engineering and maintenance functions of a large-scale, technologically advanced chemical production facility. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned engineering leader to make a significant impact on the company’s operational excellence, safety performance, and long-term growth trajectory.
The successful candidate will be a strategic visionary with a deep, hands-on understanding of chemical plant operations, capital project management, and reliability engineering. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team of engineers, maintenance professionals, and project managers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and unwavering commitment to safety and environmental stewardship. As the Director of Plant Engineering, you will be a key member of the site leadership team, providing expert guidance and strategic direction to ensure the facility operates at peak efficiency, reliability, and compliance. Your responsibilities will span from developing multi-year capital investment plans to overseeing daily maintenance activities, ensuring that all engineering functions are aligned with the company’s overarching business objectives. You will be instrumental in driving initiatives that enhance production capacity, reduce operational costs, and ensure the long-term integrity and sustainability of the plant’s assets. This role demands a leader who can balance strategic planning with tactical execution, motivating their team to achieve exceptional results in a complex and demanding manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Plant Engineering with a Chemical Manufacturing Co. – Houston, TX
Strategic Leadership and Team Management
Develop and execute a comprehensive engineering and maintenance strategy that aligns with site and corporate goals. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers, project managers, and maintenance personnel. Establish departmental KPIs, manage budgets, and oversee resource allocation to ensure optimal performance and efficiency.
Capital Project Management
Oversee the entire lifecycle of capital projects, from initial concept and feasibility studies to detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover. Ensure all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety. Manage a portfolio of projects ranging from small plant modifications to large-scale expansions.
Plant Reliability and Maintenance Excellence
Champion and implement best-in-class maintenance and reliability programs, including Preventive Maintenance (PM), Predictive Maintenance (PdM), and Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM). Drive initiatives to improve asset uptime, reduce equipment failures, and optimize maintenance costs. Oversee the management of the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
Safety, Health, and Environmental (SHE) Compliance
Uphold and promote a world-class safety culture throughout the engineering and maintenance departments. Ensure strict compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standards, EPA regulations, and internal company policies. Lead and participate in Process Hazard Analyses (PHAs), incident investigations, and management of change (MOC) processes.
Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement
Collaborate with the Operations team to identify and implement process improvements that enhance safety, quality, efficiency, and yield. Utilize continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to drive operational excellence. Stay abreast of emerging technologies and industry trends to identify opportunities for innovation.
Financial Acumen and Budgetary Control
Develop and manage the annual capital and expense budgets for the Engineering and Maintenance departments. Provide accurate forecasting, cost tracking, and financial justification for projects and initiatives. Ensure responsible stewardship of company assets and resources.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key technical resource for the entire site. Work closely with Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, Finance, and Quality departments to ensure seamless coordination and alignment on projects, production schedules, and strategic initiatives. Effectively communicate technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Requirements for the Director of Plant Engineering with a Chemical Manufacturing Co. – Houston, TX
Education
A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited university is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive engineering and maintenance experience within the chemical, petrochemical, or refining industry. At least 7 years of experience in a leadership role, managing engineering and/or maintenance teams in a complex manufacturing environment.
Technical Expertise
Proven track record of successfully managing a large capital project portfolio ($10M+ annually). Deep knowledge of chemical processing equipment, including reactors, distillation columns, heat exchangers, pumps, and instrumentation. Strong understanding of maintenance and reliability best practices (PM, PdM, RCM). In-depth knowledge of industry codes and standards (e.g., API, ASME, ANSI).
Regulatory Knowledge
Extensive experience working in a PSM-regulated facility is mandatory. Must have a thorough understanding of environmental regulations and safety protocols pertinent to the chemical industry.
Leadership Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop a diverse team of technical professionals. Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. Proven ability to drive cultural change and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly and concisely to various audiences, including executive leadership. Strong interpersonal and influencing skills to foster collaboration across departments.
Certifications
Professional Engineer (PE) license and/or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification are highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Salary and Bonus
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a generous annual performance-based bonus program.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a significant company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policies to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your growth, with support for continuing education, professional certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates.
Additional Perks
Life insurance, disability coverage, and employee assistance programs.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a results-driven engineering leader with a passion for operational excellence and a proven history of success in the chemical manufacturing industry, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and accomplishments.
JRG Partners specializes in connecting top-tier talent with leading companies in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. To learn more about our expertise and explore other opportunities, please visit our Industrial and Manufacturing recruitment practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
