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# Director of Plant Operations with a Chemicals Company – Baton Rouge, LA


Role Overview for Director of Plant Operations with a Chemicals Company – Baton Rouge, LA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, industry-leading chemicals company in their search for a distinguished Director of Plant Operations for their flagship facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is a pivotal senior leadership position for an individual with a profound understanding of chemical manufacturing, an unwavering commitment to safety, and a proven track record of driving operational excellence and profitability.
The successful candidate will assume full responsibility for the site’s strategic direction, operational performance, and financial results. You will be the driving force behind a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and employee empowerment.
As the Director of Plant Operations, you will be more than just a manager; you will be a visionary leader, a strategic thinker, and a hands-on problem-solver. You will oversee all aspects of plant activities, including production, maintenance, engineering, quality assurance, and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) compliance. This role requires a dynamic leader who can balance day-to-day operational demands with long-term strategic planning, ensuring the facility not only meets but exceeds its production targets, quality standards, and safety benchmarks.
You will be instrumental in shaping the future of the Baton Rouge plant, leading capital investment projects, implementing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, and developing a high-performing team capable of meeting the challenges of a competitive global market. If you are a results-oriented operations executive with a passion for the chemical industry and the leadership skills to inspire excellence, we invite you to apply for this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Plant Operations with a Chemicals Company – Baton Rouge, LA
Strategic Leadership & Site Management

Develop and execute the plant’s long-term strategic plan in alignment with corporate objectives, focusing on growth, efficiency, and market leadership.
Serve as the senior leader on-site, representing the company to the local community, regulatory agencies, and industry partners.
Champion a culture of accountability, transparency, and high performance across all departments.
Lead the site leadership team, fostering collaboration and ensuring departmental goals are aligned with the overall plant strategy.
Prepare and present regular performance reports to executive leadership, providing insights on KPIs, financial performance, and strategic initiatives.

Operational Excellence & Production Oversight

Direct all manufacturing operations to ensure the safe and efficient production of high-quality products that meet customer specifications and demand forecasts.
Implement and champion continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to optimize processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), production yields, cycle times, and on-time delivery, implementing corrective actions as needed.
Oversee supply chain and logistics functions, including raw material procurement, inventory management, and finished product distribution, to ensure an uninterrupted and cost-effective flow of materials.
Drive a robust quality management system (QMS), ensuring adherence to ISO standards and internal quality protocols to minimize defects and ensure customer satisfaction.

Environmental, Health, & Safety (EHS) Leadership

Uphold and champion a world-class safety culture, ensuring the plant operates with a zero-incident mindset. Your primary responsibility is the well-being of every employee and the surrounding community.
Ensure strict compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including those from OSHA, the EPA, and other relevant governing bodies.
Oversee the Process Safety Management (PSM) program, ensuring all elements are rigorously implemented and maintained to prevent catastrophic incidents.
Lead the site’s environmental stewardship initiatives, focusing on emissions reduction, waste minimization, and sustainable practices.
Promote active participation in industry safety programs, such as the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® program, to demonstrate a commitment to safety and sustainability beyond mere compliance.

Financial Management & Budgetary Control

Assume full P&L responsibility for the Baton Rouge facility, driving profitability through revenue growth, cost control, and operational efficiency.
Develop and manage the annual operating budget and capital expenditure (CapEx) plan, ensuring financial discipline and strategic allocation of resources.
Analyze financial statements, production reports, and cost data to identify trends, opportunities for improvement, and potential risks.
Lead cost-reduction initiatives without compromising safety, quality, or employee morale.
Justify and oversee major capital projects, from initial concept and financial modeling to successful execution and commissioning.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a large, multi-disciplinary team of managers, engineers, supervisors, and operators.
Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork, open communication, and employee engagement.
Implement robust talent management and succession planning processes to build a strong leadership pipeline within the organization.
Oversee employee relations, working collaboratively with Human Resources to manage performance, address concerns, and negotiate labor agreements if applicable.
Champion training and development programs to enhance the skills and capabilities of the workforce at all levels.

Requirements for the Director of Plant Operations with a Chemicals Company – Baton Rouge, LA
Education & Certifications

Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related technical field is required.
An MBA or other advanced degree in management or a technical discipline is highly preferred.
Certifications in Lean Six Sigma (e.g., Green Belt, Black Belt) or other continuous improvement methodologies are a significant plus.

Professional Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in chemical manufacturing operations.
At least 7 years of experience in a senior plant leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Director of Operations, Assistant Plant Manager) with full P&L and site management responsibilities.
Demonstrated experience managing a large, complex chemical processing facility, preferably one operating under strict PSM regulations.
Proven track record of successfully leading major capital projects, plant expansions, or technology upgrades from conception to completion.
Experience in both union and non-union environments is highly desirable.
Verifiable history of improving plant performance across key metrics, including safety (TRIR), productivity, quality, and cost.

Skills & Competencies
Leadership
Exceptional ability to lead, inspire, and motivate a diverse workforce. A true servant leader who can build consensus and drive change.
Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of financial principles, including P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning.
Technical Expertise
Deep knowledge of chemical manufacturing processes, equipment reliability, maintenance strategies, and quality control systems.
Regulatory Knowledge
Comprehensive understanding of EHS regulations, particularly OSHA’s Process Safety Management (PSM) standard.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to develop and implement a long-term vision for the plant while effectively managing short-term priorities.
Communication
Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills. Ability to communicate complex information effectively to all levels of the organization, from the plant floor to the executive boardroom.
Problem-Solving
Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills with a talent for identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and long-term incentive plan.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents, along with wellness programs and a Health Savings Account (HSA).
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you secure your financial future.
Paid Time Off
A generous PTO policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to your professional development with support for further education, certifications, and attendance at industry conferences.
Additional Benefits
Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and accomplishments as they relate to this role. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive search for the manufacturing and chemical industries. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how this role can be the next great step in your career. To learn more about our firm and see how we connect top talent with leading companies, please explore our expertise in Manufacturing & Operations leadership roles. We are an equal opportunity employer.