Senior Operations Manager
THE ROLE
Sun Chemical is seeking a Senior Operations Manager to lead a high‑performance manufacturing site and drive operational excellence in a dynamic, unionized environment. This role is central to ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality production while fostering a culture where safety, quality, and teamwork thrive.
As Senior Operations Manager, you will oversee all plant operations, guide multiple teams, and collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners to meet strategic business goals. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the site and elevating operational standards in alignment with Sun Chemical’s global expectations.
KEY RESPONSABILITIES- Lead daily plant operations to ensure safety, efficiency, and product excellence.
- Build and sustain a strong EHS culture, ensuring full regulatory compliance.
- Drive continuous improvement using lean methodologies and data‑driven decision making.
- Oversee production planning, resource allocation, and workflow optimization.
- Maintain strong relationships with union representatives and ensure adherence to collective agreements.
- Monitor KPIs and operational performance to meet and exceed business targets.
- Develop, mentor, and support supervisors and frontline teams.
- Ensure equipment reliability through effective maintenance coordination.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and open communication across the site.
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
- 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations (ink packaging industry preferred).
- Strong understanding of operational excellence methodologies.
- Proven leadership experience in a unionized environment.
- Strong knowledge of EHS compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Hands‑on experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.
- Demonstrated ability to drive cultural and process transformation.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to lead through influence and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced setting.
- Experience working with MRP systems, preferably SAP.
- English proficiency is required.
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Required Qualifications- Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
- 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations (ink packaging industry preferred).
- Strong understanding of operational excellence methodologies.
- Proven leadership experience in a unionized environment.
- Strong knowledge of EHS compliance and regulatory requirements.
- Hands‑on experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.
- Demonstrated ability to drive cultural and process transformation.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to lead through influence and manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced setting.
- Experience working with MRP systems, preferably SAP.
- English proficiency is required.
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Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC group, is a leading producer of printing inks, coatings and supplies, pigments, polymers, liquid compounds, solid compounds, and application materials. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical has annual sales of more than $7.5 billion. Over 20,000 employees located at 176 subsidiaries across 63 countries work every day to meet the needs of customers by improving performance on the essentials of business, such as reliable, on-time delivery and consistent product quality.
Sun Chemical tailors solutions to unique customer needs and brings new ideas and the latest technology to market. Sun Chemical’s unparalleled global presence allows for the delivery of local service and support that is customized to the markets it serves.Recognized as a leading source of innovation, Sun Chemical and DIC have 17 research and development centers that are committed to creating solutions that improve productivity, create new revenue opportunities for customers, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
For more information, please visit our website at www.sunchemical.com.