Plant Manager

Location: North Central Illinois (On-site)

Relocation Assistance Available | Competitive Base Salary + Annual Bonus

The Opportunity

We are partnering with an established manufacturing organization to recruit an experienced Site Manager to lead operations at a specialty chemical manufacturing facility in Illinois.

This is an opportunity for a hands-on, people-focused leader who thrives in a complex manufacturing environment and has a demonstrated ability to drive operational excellence, strengthen organizational performance, and build high-performing teams.

The successful candidate will have full accountability for site operations, with a strong focus on safety, equipment reliability, production efficiency, and continuous improvement. Equally important is the ability to establish credibility across all levels of the organization, foster a culture of accountability, and develop strong relationships with both hourly and salaried employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for site operations, ensuring alignment with business objectives, safety standards, and operational targets.
• Champion a proactive safety culture, ensuring compliance with environmental, health, safety, and Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements.
• Drive improvements in equipment reliability, asset performance, production efficiency, and operational consistency.
• Establish and maintain effective operating practices, performance metrics, and accountability across a continuous manufacturing environment.
• Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing leadership team, fostering collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Develop constructive working relationships with employees and union representatives, promoting transparent communication and mutual accountability.
• Identify opportunities to optimize manufacturing processes, reduce unplanned downtime, and improve overall plant performance.
• Partner with maintenance, engineering, EHS, and other functional teams to establish and execute operational improvement initiatives.
• Manage site budgets, resource allocation, and capital improvement priorities while balancing safety, operational, and commercial objectives.
• Maintain a visible presence throughout the facility, engaging employees at all levels and reinforcing operational standards.

Qualifications & Experience

• Significant progressive leadership experience within chemical manufacturing, petrochemicals, polymers, or a related continuous-process manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience as a Site Manager, Plant Manager, Operations Manager, or in a comparable manufacturing leadership role.
• Demonstrated success improving manufacturing performance, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Strong working knowledge of industrial safety practices, including Process Safety Management (PSM).
• Experience leading teams within a unionized manufacturing environment, with an ability to build productive employee and labor relationships.
• Proven ability to develop leaders, establish accountability, and positively influence organizational culture.
• Strong business acumen, analytical capabilities, and experience managing operational budgets and performance metrics.
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization and balance strategic priorities with hands-on operational leadership.

What We're Looking For

Beyond technical and operational experience, we're seeking a leader who brings:

• Visible, hands-on leadership: Someone who is comfortable being on the plant floor, engaging employees, and understanding day-to-day operational realities.
• A continuous improvement mindset: A track record of identifying operational challenges, implementing practical solutions, and delivering measurable results.
• Strong people leadership: The ability to build trust, coach teams, manage difficult conversations, and create an environment of shared accountability.
• Sound judgment and ownership: A leader who makes thoughtful decisions, takes responsibility for outcomes, and balances immediate priorities with long-term performance.
• A collaborative approach: Someone who can work effectively across functions and establish productive relationships with employees at every level.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the performance and long-term success of an established manufacturing operation.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape operational strategy, strengthen site capabilities, develop talent, and lead initiatives that deliver measurable business results.

A competitive compensation package, annual performance bonus, and relocation assistance are available.

Interested in learning more?

Apply directly or reach out for a confidential discussion. Additional information about the organization and specific location will be shared with qualified candidates during the recruitment process.