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# EVP, Global Operations with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Pittsburgh, PA


Role Overview for EVP, Global Operations with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Pittsburgh, PA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, innovation-driven specialty chemicals company in their search for an exceptional Executive Vice President (EVP) of Global Operations. Based at their corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA, this executive will serve as a pivotal member of the senior leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. This is a transformational role for a visionary leader poised to architect and execute a world-class global operations strategy that drives safety, quality, efficiency, and profitability across the enterprise.
The successful candidate will assume ultimate responsibility for the company’s entire global manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and environmental, health, and safety (EHS) functions. You will lead a vast, multi-site international team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
In a market characterized by rapid innovation and complex supply chains, your leadership will be critical in ensuring the company maintains its competitive edge, delivers unparalleled value to customers, and achieves its ambitious long-term growth objectives. You will be the driving force behind modernizing processes, integrating new technologies, and building a resilient, agile operational infrastructure capable of scaling and adapting to future market demands. This role requires a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of translating high-level corporate vision into tangible results on the plant floor and throughout the global supply network.
Key Responsibilities of EVP, Global Operations with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Pittsburgh, PA
The EVP, Global Operations will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Execution
Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive global operations strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business goals. Drive initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, improve product quality, and ensure a safe and sustainable working environment.
Manufacturing Excellence
Oversee all global manufacturing facilities, ensuring they operate at peak performance. Implement and champion best practices in process optimization, asset utilization, and production planning. Drive a zero-incident safety culture, ensuring all sites adhere to the highest EHS standards and comply with programs like the industry-leading Responsible Care® program.
Global Supply Chain Management
Architect and manage a robust and resilient end-to-end global supply chain. Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to balance demand and supply effectively. Optimize logistics, warehousing, and distribution networks to ensure timely delivery and manage costs.
Strategic Sourcing & Procurement
Lead the global procurement function to develop and execute sourcing strategies that mitigate risk, ensure supply continuity of critical raw materials, and leverage the company’s scale to achieve favorable terms and pricing. Cultivate strategic partnerships with key suppliers.
Financial Acumen & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for global operations. Develop and manage annual operating budgets, long-range financial plans, and capital expenditure (CapEx) projects. Provide rigorous financial analysis and reporting to the executive team and Board of Directors.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
Champion a culture of quality and continuous improvement across the organization. Utilize methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) to drive process enhancements, eliminate waste, and enhance customer satisfaction. Ensure all products meet or exceed stringent quality specifications and regulatory requirements.
Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a large, geographically dispersed team of operations professionals. Attract, retain, and develop top-tier talent. Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance culture. Build a strong succession pipeline for critical leadership roles within the operations function.
Technology & Innovation
Identify and champion the adoption of new technologies, including automation, data analytics, and digital manufacturing (Industry 4.0), to drive a step-change in operational performance and create a competitive advantage.
Requirements for the EVP, Global Operations with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Pittsburgh, PA
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned and proven operations executive with a track record of success in complex, global manufacturing environments. Specific qualifications include:
Education
A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a 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 management within the specialty chemicals, materials science, or a related process manufacturing industry. At least 10 years of experience in a senior executive role (e.g., VP of Operations, COO, SVP of Manufacturing) with P&L responsibility and multi-site, international oversight is essential.
Technical Expertise
Deep expertise in modern manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma Black Belt/Master Black Belt certification is a significant plus). Strong understanding of chemical process safety, EHS regulations, and quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001).
Global Mindset
Proven experience managing operations across different continents and cultures (e.g., North America, Europe, Asia). A nuanced understanding of global logistics, trade compliance, and international business practices.
Leadership Competencies
Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale organizational change and transformation. Superb financial acumen with experience managing multi-hundred-million-dollar budgets and CapEx projects.
Communication Skills
Outstanding executive presence with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, from the plant floor to the boardroom.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel globally up to 40% of the time to engage with teams, suppliers, and customers.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A lucrative base salary, a significant annual performance-based cash bonus, and a compelling long-term equity incentive plan (stock options/RSUs).
Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents. A robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and corporate wellness initiatives.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match and potential for profit sharing.
Financial Security
Company-paid life insurance, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage. Access to executive financial planning services.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid company holidays.
Relocation
A comprehensive executive relocation package to assist with your move to the dynamic and culturally rich city of Pittsburgh, PA.
Professional Development
Ongoing opportunities for executive coaching and professional growth, with significant visibility to the CEO and Board of Directors.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a results-oriented, strategic operations leader with the experience and drive to make a significant impact on a global scale, we encourage you to apply. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing Practice page. We look forward to learning more about your career accomplishments and your interest in this pivotal role.