Assistant Production Mgr

Business Unit: MAES

Division: Packaging & Board Assembly

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking a proactive and hands-on Assistant Production Manager who is passionate about operational excellence in a specialty chemical manufacturing environment. This individual will support day‑to‑day plant operations, ensure production targets are met safely and efficiently, and act as a key liaison between Production, Quality, EHS, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams.

The ideal candidate thrives in a dynamic environment, demonstrates strong leadership presence on the shop floor, and brings a continuous improvement mindset.

What will you be doing?

Production Operations & Execution

• Support the Production Manager in executing the daily/weekly production plan to meet volume, quality, and cost targets.
• Supervise shift operations and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor production equipment performance and collaborate with Maintenance/Engineering to minimize downtime.
• Manage raw material usage, batch execution, process controls, and documentation accuracy.
  
  
  

• Lead, guide, and support production operators/technicians; provide coaching, performance feedback, and daily direction.
• Ensure adequate shift staffing, training, and skill development in alignment with operational needs.
• Promote a strong safety culture through daily interactions, toolbox talks, and visible leadership on the production floor.
  
  
  

• Partner with Quality and EHS teams to investigate deviations, non‑conformances, and safety incidents, and implement corrective/preventive actions.
• Maintain full compliance with company policies, local regulations, and industry standards for chemical handling and manufacturing.
• Ensure batch and process records meet internal and regulatory documentation standards.
  
  
  

• Participate in and lead improvement initiatives including process optimization, waste reduction, and cycle time improvements.
• Use Lean, Six Sigma, or other operational excellence tools to drive measurable improvements.
• Support new product introductions, trials, and scale-up activities in collaboration with R&D and Technical teams.
  
  
  

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemistry, or a related technical field.
  
  
  

• 3–6 years of experience in production, process operations, or manufacturing supervision; experience in specialty chemicals, chemicals, or related industries strongly preferred.
• Prior experience leading shift teams or supervising daily operations in a manufacturing setting.
• Exposure to process safety management (PSM) or similar high‑hazard manufacturing environments is an advantage.
  
  
  

• Strong understanding of batch or continuous chemical manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of EHS standards, regulatory requirements, and quality systems (ISO, GMP, or equivalent).
• Proficiency in production reporting systems, SAP or similar ERP systems, and MS Office applications.
  
  
  

• Ability to guide and motivate frontline operators, build trust, and drive accountability.
• Strong communication skills to align diverse teams and ensure clarity in daily operations.
  
  
  

• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to analyze data, identify root causes, and implement improvements.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
  
  
  

• Demonstrates strong commitment to safety, compliance, and quality in every aspect of production.
• Able to foster a culture of safe behaviors and procedural discipline.
  
  
  

• Comfortable making timely decisions in a fast-paced production environment.
• Strong organizational skills to prioritize tasks and manage multiple operational demands.
  
  
  

• Works effectively with cross-functional teams such as Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, QC, and EHS.
• Clear communicator with the ability to convey technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.