Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom ยท 2 days ago
Operations Unit Manager
Charleston, South Carolina Metropolitan Area
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
$130K/yr - $150K/yr
5+ years expKelly Engineering is seeking a DIRECT HIRE - Unit Operations Manager to join one of our leading clients in the Chemical Manufacturing industry. The role involves leading daily operations of a chemical manufacturing unit, managing a team, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and driving process optimization.
Staffing & Recruiting
Hiring Manager
Ryan Harding
Responsibilities
Lead daily operations of a chemical manufacturing unit with full accountability for production volume, team performance, and product quality
Directly manage a team of 20+ operators and technicians in a fast-paced batch production environment producing powder thickeners
Ensure consistent compliance with ISO 9001, internal quality systems, and customer specifications
Oversee and optimize hands-on operate reactors, dryers, hoppers, conveying systems, packaging lines, and utility systems (hot oil, chillers, cryogenic units, heat exchangers)
Drive process optimization using SPC, SQC, and Gantt-based production tracking
Lead root-cause investigations and corrective/preventive actions (OOS, CAPA, and deviation events
Champion continuous improvement initiatives in efficiency, cost reduction, yield, and 5S/housekeeping standards
Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality Assurance, Engineering, EHS, R&D/Technology, Logistics, and Maintenance teams
Actively participate in Management of Change (MOC), HAZOP studies, and plant safety programs
Develop team members through training, performance evaluations, and accountability measures
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related technical field strongly preferred (equivalent experience considered)
5+ years of hands-on experience in industrial chemical manufacturing; prior leadership or supervisory experience highly desired
In-depth knowledge of chemical processing equipment and utilities (reactors, dryers, conveyors, hot oil systems, chillers, cryogenic systems, heat exchangers, etc.)
Proven track record with ISO 9001 quality systems and regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA, etc.)
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, troubleshoot in real time, and deliver results in a high-output manufacturing setting
Experience with process optimization tools (SPC/SQC), preventive maintenance programs, and cross-functional collaboration
Company
Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom
Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom specializes in science, engineering, technology, and telecom.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Linda Stuit
Senior Vice President, Engineering Specialty
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