5+ years of plant leadership in complex, technical manufacturing
Proven track record in team leadership and cross-functional influence
Minimum 3 years managing P&L responsibilities
Strong knowledge of OSHA and environmental regulations
Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement experience
Expertise in analyzing chemical processes and equipment
Responsibilities
Lead daily and strategic operations to meet safety, quality, and cost targets
Establish and promote a leading safety culture within the plant
Engage actively on the manufacturing floor to ensure operational accountability
Standardize and streamline processes for operational consistency
Oversee full P&L management, including budgeting and cost controls
Develop and coach a high-performing team for future leadership roles
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
Benefits
Opportunity to engage with and shape a safety-focused culture
Hands-on involvement with a strong presence on the manufacturing floor
Leadership role in implementing innovative operational practices
Development paths for personal and professional growth
Engagement with external communities and stakeholders for brand representation
Full Job Description
PLANT MANAGER - ADVANCED CHEMICALS
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Plant Manager leads all manufacturing operations at our Milwaukee, WI advanced chemical facility. This hands-on operational leader is responsible for safety, environmental stewardship, production, quality, efficiency, cost, and talent development. The role drives continuous improvement, standardizes and streamlines processes, and builds a culture that embraces change, develops people, and maintains a resilient, never-quit mindset to deliver exceptional performance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide day-to-day and strategic leadership to achieve or exceed targets for safety, quality, delivery, productivity, efficiency, and cost.
Champion a best-in-class safety culture and lead all Environmental, Health & Safety initiatives.
Maintain a strong, hands-on presence on the manufacturing floor to promote engagement, accountability, and disciplined operations.
Lead efforts to standardize, simplify, and streamline processes for consistent and sustainable operational performance.
Manage full P&L responsibilities, including budgeting, cost control, capital planning, and financial goal achievement.
Build, develop, and coach a high-performing team; strengthen talent pipelines and support succession planning.
Drive continuous improvement using Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
Foster a growth-oriented business mindset aligned with customer needs and strategic expansion opportunities.
Serve as a leader of change adoption, promoting agility and innovation across the organization.
Model resilience and a never-quit approach to overcoming operational and organizational challenges.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental regulations, and labor laws.
Represent the facility externally, including community engagement when required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree or equivalent is required.
5+ years of plant leadership experience in a multi-shift, highly technical manufacturing environment.
Demonstrated success leading teams and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
Minimum 3 years of P&L responsibility, including operating and capital budget ownership.
Strong understanding of OSHA, environmental, and labor regulations.
Knowledge of business and management principles, including budgeting, strategic planning, and resource allocation.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or equivalent continuous improvement experience.
Proven ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously with discipline and urgency.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, communication, and leadership skills.
Strong technical background with the ability to understand chemical processes, equipment, safety systems, and root-cause analysis.
Familiarity with high-mix, low-volume (HMLV) production environments, including managing frequent changeovers, process variation, and variable demand.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience as a Tier 1 supplier to the semiconductor industry.
Experience in advanced chemicals, advanced materials, or similar high-purity manufacturing environments.
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About Materion
Materion Corporation is a global leader in advanced materials, providing a unique combination of high-performance engineered materials with unmatched expertise in advanced production and technical services. The company's products and services are used in a variety of highly engineered applications in consumer electronics, telecommunications infrastructure, defense and science, medical, energy, automotive, aerospace and industrial markets.
