Position OverviewWe are actively seeking an experienced operations leader with a strong background in chemical processing, terminal, refinery, bulk liquids, tank farm, pipeline, or similar industrial operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of directly leading front-line teams in a demanding 24/7/365 operating environment and delivering operational excellence through strong leadership, safety focus, and customer partnership.
The Operations Manager II provides overall leadership, direction, and management oversight for the Midwest Forming Facility in Chicago, IL. Operations include sulphur forming, plant operations, transportation, maintenance coordination, and customer service activities.
What You'll Be Doing:Leadership & Team Development
• Serve as the operational leader for all Savage Team Members at the site.
• Directly supervise, coach, mentor, and develop front-line employees and supervisors.
• Manage team member performance, attendance, scheduling, PTO administration, performance reviews, and career development.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and provide ongoing coaching and feedback.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and shared leadership.
• Ensure staffing levels meet operational requirements for a 24/7 operation.
Safety, Environmental & Operational Excellence
• Lead all safety, health, environmental, and compliance efforts with a commitment to zero incidents.
• Ensure compliance with company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize Savage safety programs and systems to improve operational performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, reliability, productivity, and cost management.
• Oversee execution of Savage's S7 Delivery System and ensure timely resolution of action items.
Operations & Maintenance
• Provide leadership for day-to-day plant and terminal operations.
• Maintain a strong understanding of process equipment including tanks, pipelines, pumps, loading systems, and material handling assets.
• Oversee maintenance planning and execution for fixed and mobile equipment.
• Ensure effective utilization of computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Monitor operational performance and implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Support capital improvement projects from planning through commissioning.
Customer & Business Management
• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and key stakeholders.
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets, staffing plans, and business forecasts.
• Review and manage daily, weekly, and monthly financial performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service delivery.
• Support business development and growth initiatives as needed.
Team & People Skills
• Lead with integrity, accountability, and respect.
• Build trust and credibility with Team Members and customers.
• Effectively communicate across all levels of the organization.
• Develop people through coaching, mentoring, and performance feedback.
• Balance customer expectations, business objectives, and Team Member needs.
• Create a culture of ownership, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate effectively with leadership, customers, contractors, and vendors.
Required Qualifications:• Minimum 5 years of management or supervisory experience leading operations teams in an industrial environment.
• Demonstrated experience directly managing hourly and salaried employees, including performance management, coaching, scheduling, PTO administration, and team development.
• Experience within chemical processing, refining, terminal operations, bulk liquids, energy, petrochemical, mining, industrial manufacturing, or similar heavy industrial operations.
• Experience operating in a 24/7/365 environment.
• Strong background in safety leadership and operational excellence.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, business plans, and staffing plans.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced industrial setting.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel as required.
Preferred Qualifications:• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Process Engineering or Mechanical Engineering background.
• Project management experience, including capital projects and facility improvements.
• Experience working with tanks, pipelines, pumps, loading systems, or related process equipment.
• Experience in chemical transportation, tanker operations, or tanker fleet management.
• Background in terminal, refinery, chemical plant, fertilizer, sulphur, petroleum, or bulk liquid operations.
• Experience with PLC-controlled systems and industrial automation.
• CMMS experience and maintenance management knowledge.
*Candidates whose primary experience is limited to warehousing, distribution centers, food-grade manufacturing environments, retail logistics, or traditional third-party logistics (3PL) operations may not have the operational leadership background most aligned with the requirements of this position.
Physical Requirements• Ability to wear all required PPE, including hard hat, hearing protection, eye protection, steel-toed footwear, and respiratory protection when required.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk long distances across industrial facilities.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, platforms, and access elevated work areas.
• Ability to frequently enter and exit equipment and operational areas.
• Ability to work alongside field personnel in an active industrial environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Recruiter Contact Information: #IND1
Additional Information:
- A complete job description is available upon request
- You may view available jobs at www.savageco.com/careers and apply using the online job posting.
- Team members may be eligible for a benefits package that is dependent on hours worked and position classification. This package may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; life, AD&D, and disability insurance; supplemental coverage options; health savings and flexible spending accounts; paid time off; profit sharing; and a 401(k) plan with company match. Benefits are subject to change. For more information visit https://savageco.com/careers/benefits-information/
