Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Site Head with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a global leader in the specialty chemicals industry to recruit a transformative VP, Manufacturing Site Head for their flagship facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for the entirety of site operations, including production, safety, engineering, quality, and financial performance. The Baton Rouge site is a complex, multi-unit facility critical to the company’s global supply chain and long-term strategic objectives.
The successful candidate will be a visionary leader with a profound commitment to safety and operational excellence. You will be tasked with steering the site through its next phase of growth, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and mentoring a high-performing team. As the senior leader on-site, you will have full P&L responsibility and will be the face of the company to the local community, regulatory agencies, and internal stakeholders. This position requires a strategic thinker who can balance day-to-day operational demands with long-term strategic planning, capital investment, and talent development. You will be empowered to implement best practices, optimize processes using methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma, and ensure the facility not only meets but exceeds the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and product quality. This is a career-defining opportunity to make a significant impact on a world-class manufacturing operation and contribute directly to the company’s bottom-line success.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Site Head with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
The VP, Manufacturing Site Head will have a broad and challenging scope of responsibilities, encompassing all facets of site management. Success in this role will be measured by performance across safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics.
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan for the Baton Rouge site that aligns with corporate objectives. Drive cultural transformation towards a proactive, data-driven, and continuous improvement mindset. Act as a key member of the global manufacturing leadership team, contributing to broader company strategy.
Operational Excellence & Production Management
Oversee all manufacturing units to ensure production targets are met safely, on time, and within budget. Champion the implementation and sustainment of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and optimize asset utilization. Ensure robust maintenance and reliability programs are in place to maximize uptime and equipment lifespan.
Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) Leadership
Champion a world-class, zero-incident safety culture. Ensure unwavering compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA and EPA standards. Provide ultimate oversight for the site’s Process Safety Management (PSM) program, ensuring all elements are rigorously implemented and maintained to prevent catastrophic incidents. Drive initiatives to minimize the site’s environmental footprint and promote sustainable manufacturing practices.
Financial & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the site. Develop and manage the annual operating budget, production forecasts, and cost-control measures. Oversee the capital expenditure (CapEx) process, from project justification and planning to execution and commissioning, ensuring projects deliver the expected ROI.
Quality & Customer Focus
Uphold the highest standards of product quality and consistency. Ensure the site’s Quality Management System (QMS) is effective and compliant with ISO standards and customer requirements. Partner with the commercial and supply chain teams to ensure customer needs are met and any quality issues are resolved swiftly and effectively.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a large, diverse team of managers, engineers, and operations personnel. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and employee engagement. Implement robust talent management processes, including performance management, succession planning, and leadership development, to build a strong pipeline of future leaders.
Stakeholder & Community Relations
Serve as the primary representative for the company in the Baton Rouge community. Build and maintain positive relationships with local government officials, regulatory agencies, and community leaders. Manage site communications and public relations to maintain the company’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Site Head with a Specialty Chemicals Co. – Baton Rouge, LA
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished manufacturing executive with a proven track record of leadership in the chemical industry. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and inspirational leadership.
Education
A Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in chemical manufacturing operations. At least 10 years of experience in a senior plant or site leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Site Director) with full P&L responsibility. Direct experience within the specialty chemicals, petrochemicals, or refining industries is essential.
Technical Skills
Deep understanding of chemical processing, including both batch and continuous operations. Expert-level knowledge of EHS regulations and a demonstrated history of leading sites with excellent safety records. In-depth experience with Process Safety Management (PSM) is mandatory. Proven expertise in implementing and driving operational excellence programs (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM).
Leadership Competencies
Exceptional leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop large teams. Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities. Excellent financial acumen with experience managing multi-million dollar budgets and capital projects.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Superior verbal and written communication skills. The ability to effectively communicate complex information to a wide range of audiences, from the plant floor to the executive boardroom. Proven ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Certifications
Certifications such as a Six Sigma Black Belt or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) are considered a strong asset.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, as well as health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA).
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
Generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and parental leave policies.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your growth with opportunities for executive coaching, advanced training, and conference attendance.
Additional Perks
Life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, and more.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a results-oriented manufacturing leader with the experience and passion to drive a major chemical facility to new levels of success, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications.
JRG Partners is a premier executive search firm specializing in placing top talent within high-growth industries. To learn more about our expertise and explore other opportunities, please visit the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you.
