Job Description

USALCO is a leading provider of aluminum-based component products used in water treatment, pulp and paper manufacturing, the making of catalysts for oil refining, the housing market and other sectors. We have an immediate need for a Plant Manager to lead the start-up and full-scale operations of a newly constructed chemical production facility located in the greater Los Angeles metro area. This role will report directly to the West Regional Manager and will oversee all aspects of plant performance including safety, quality, production, maintenance, staffing, and regulatory compliance ensuring that the plant meets startup targets and transitions smoothly into steady-state operations. The key responsibilities of the role include:

Startup & Commissioning:

• Lead plant commissioning, startup, and initial production ramp-up activities.
• Coordinate with engineering, construction, and project teams to validate mechanical completion, pre-startup safety reviews (PSSR), and process readiness.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), job hazard analyses (JHAs), and training materials for new staff.

Operations Management:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the plant, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient production.
• Manage production scheduling, raw material planning, and finished goods inventory to meet customer demand.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive continuous improvement initiatives in capacity, efficiency, and uptime.

Safety & Compliance:

• Champion a strong safety culture; ensure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, Responsible Care, and other applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Lead and support incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective/preventative actions.
• Maintain proper documentation and readiness for audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews.

People Leadership:

• Hire, train, and manage plant staff including operators and administrative staff.
• Set clear goals and performance expectations; conduct evaluations and manage professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance work environment.

Maintenance & Budget:

• Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs to ensure equipment reliability and minimize downtime.
• Develop and manage the plants operating budget; monitor costs and identify opportunities for cost reduction.
• Ensure efficient use of raw materials, utilities, and labor resources.

Qualifications:

Required:

• 10+ years of hands-on Management experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Previous management experience in a specialty chemical, heavy industry, intensive asset environment with significant processing equipment and material handling, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated results-oriented, metrics-driven leader with expertise in safety and quality compliance and continuous improvement

Preferred:

• Experience in greenfield facility startup and commissioning.
• Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or TPM certification.
• Business acumen to align manufacturing to financial goals and customer needs and expectations.
• Familiarity with ERP and CMMS systems.
• Understanding of ISO or Responsible Care principles.
• Demonstrated experience in championing and leading change across a business, including driving Management of Change and Operational Discipline.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

Essential Functions:

The ability to:

• Must be dependable, flexible and able to respond on short notice to satisfy the requirements of customers.
• Routinely lift 50 to 75 lbs. throughout the shift
• Routinely must traverse ladders, catwalks and close quarters
• Travel 5-10%

USALCO is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. As a general policy, USALCO does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.

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