Operations Manager

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

We are looking for:

Syensqo is seeking an Operations Manager who will have individual accountability for site HSE, Quality, Productivity, and Manufacturing Excellence objectives to ensure all aspects/standards of the Responsible Care Safety Program are met. The Operations Manager is the overall leader for all production areas of the plant (Phosphine, Gases, Derivatives, Small Batch Plant) as well as the Utilities areas. Direct reports for this position will include 3 Production/Operations Superintendent, 1 Chief Engineer/Utilities Supervisor and will be responsible for approximately 80 total department personnel. 

This role supports advancement initiatives in the areas of Safety, Environmental Protection, Zero Defect, and Operations Improvement through utilization of a continuous improvement culture. The Operations Manager will facilitate execution of select Site Key X’s and strategic plan initiatives to ensure the site meets its critical business objectives.       

We count on you to:

• Lead the Operations team and communicates expectations and standards, monitors performance, and takes corrective actions to address issues and ensure targets in the following areas are met: 

  • HSE compliance

  • Quality system requirements

  • S&OP Plan

  • Cost and Productivity targets

• Responsible for managing the production schedule in conjunction with the Production Superintendents and Production Planners. This includes making adjustments for efficiency, communicating changes or constraints to the Planning team as well as production issue management and communication.

• Responsible for managing and accountable for the delivery of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and Maximum Demonstrated Capacity (MDC) improvement plans.

• Responsible for the development, implementation and management of objectives and key performance indicators (KPI’s) for the Operations team in line with Site Key X’s.

• Responsible for driving culture of accountability and ensuring proper performance management within the Operations team is conducted.

• Responsible for managing resource requirements for the Operations group including organizational structure reviews, job description review/development and assisting hiring managers with recruitment.

• Responsible for development of the Operations department annual budget in conjunction with the Site Controller. Responsible for managing departmental expenses inline with this budget.

• Works with Operations/Production Superintendents to develop and execute training and skills assessment programs for the Operations department. Responsible for building training and mentorship plans including succession planning.

• Responsible for the development, management and execution of Operational Excellence improvement plans including STAR Factory initiative leadership and execution.

• Responsible for Labour Management and Labour Relations for the Operations department including ensuring the Collective Bargaining Agreement is understood and followed as well as managing grievances in coordination with the HR and Site Manager.

• Provide leadership to ensure effective communication between individual supporting departments and production department.

• Work closely with Niagara Falls Plant Manager and the rest of the Niagara Falls Leadership  Team to ensure full compliance with all applicable regulations and site policies and procedures.

• Lead execution of incremental Operations improvements through the use of Area Improvement Teams (AIT)

• Any other duties or projects as assigned by the Site Manager.

• Fill in as relief for Site Manager, as necessary.

You will get:

• Competitive salary and benefits

• 16, or more, weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave, according to local regulations

• Training platform for all employees

• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)

You will bring: 

• B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering or related field

• Professional Engineering License for Ontario Canada or eligible to obtain the license

• Minimum of 10+ years progressive experience in Operations at an Industrial Chemical Manufacturing  facility, Petrochemical processing operation or Nuclear Power Generation station.

• Preferred 5+ years of leadership in a manufacturing environment.

• Union Management experience required. Preferred 5+ years of experience leading teams in a Unionized environment.

• Broad based experience interacting with production, maintenance and engineering departments.  Plant experience should be in a facility operated to world class standards in the areas of Process Safety, operation discipline and Safety, Health & Environment standards.

• Experience with Ontario regulations such as Boiler and Pressure Vessel (O.Reg. 220/01), Operating Engineers (O.Reg. 219/01) and Occupational Health and Safety Act required.

• Must have strong organizational and facilitation skills

• Must have excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills.

• Must have strong leadership competencies with a demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams and drive improvements.

• Demonstrated ability to convert strategy into implementation process.

• Communicate effectively in written and oral formats with peers and others at varying levels within the organization. Present ideas well one-on-one, in small groups, and to larger audiences. Have the ability to convey messages and to influence others to take appropriate action.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Requires regular, dependable attendance and after hours support as needed.

Additional information:

Location: Based at the Niagara Falls Site. Not eligible for routine work from home or remote location

Required to regularly be in production areas.

About us

• While we have identified potential internal profiles for this role, we are committed to a fair and inclusive selection process. In order to comprehensively evaluate all qualified internal people, we are actively encouraging applications for this position.
• Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.
• At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience. We are here to support you throughout the application journey and want to ensure all candidates are treated equally. If you are unsure whether you meet all the criteria or qualifications listed in the job description, we still encourage you to apply.