Plant Manager at Sun Chemical Corporation – Muskegon, Michigan

Plant Manager

Muskegon, MI, US, 49442
Primary Location: Muskegon
Location:

Muskegon, MI, US, 49442

Remote or On-Site: On-Site
Req ID #: 5783
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials, and products for the automotive and healthcare industries. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable solutions to exceed customer expectations and better the world around us. With combined annual sales of more than $8.5 billion and 22,000+ employees worldwide, the DIC Group companies support a diverse collection of global customers.

Sun Chemical Corporation is a subsidiary of Sun Chemical Group Coöperatief U.A., the Netherlands, and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.A. For more information, please visit our website at www.sunchemical.com or connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter


Position Overview

We are seeking a Plant Manager to lead and direct all production operations at our Muskegon manufacturing facility. Reporting directly to the Site Manager, this role serves as a key member of the site leadership team responsible for driving operational excellence, safety performance, and financial results.

The Plant Manager will oversee solid manufacturing processes, equipment maintenance, production planning, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards. This position requires a strategic leader who can effectively manage union relationships, develop high-performing teams, and deliver results aligned with our Annual Operating Plan.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve site objectives in safety, quality, productivity, service, and efficiency while meeting Annual Operating Plan (AOP) targets

Ensure full compliance with safety and environmental regulations, partnering with professional staff to meet all regulatory and statutory obligations

Maintain accurate and timely production records, reports, and documentation

Control inventory levels for finished products and operating supplies

People Management

Determine staffing requirements to meet production demands and communicate resource needs to the Site Leadership Team

Develop and mentor production, warehouse, and maintenance supervisory staff through regular meetings, guidance, and performance management

Collaborate with union leadership to ensure collective bargaining agreement compliance and resolve labor grievances effectively

Foster a culture of recognition, engagement, and accountability across direct and indirect teams

Ensure all supervisors receive comprehensive training in plant operations, safety protocols, and regulatory procedures

Operational Excellence

Drive continuous improvement through lean manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, quality/ISO systems, and employee engagement programs

Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures and work instructions for all production, warehouse, and maintenance activities

Conduct labor and equipment studies, partnering with finance to establish accurate cost standards for budgeting and analysis

Coordinate equipment maintenance, downtime scheduling, and repair activities

Allocate resources dynamically to address unexpected production changes

Safety and Environment

Champion a clean, safe, and healthy work environment through rigorous enforcement of HSE initiatives and housekeeping standards

Lead by example in promoting safety culture and environmental stewardship

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of management experience in manufacturing operations, OR 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in lieu of degree

Proven track record in manufacturing management; chemical industry experience strongly preferred

Demonstrated experience working in a union environment with expertise in contract administration and labor relations

Skills & Competencies

Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities with experience establishing and tracking performance metrics

Proficiency in financial analysis and P&L management

Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team development capabilities with a track record of building accountability

Skilled in conflict resolution, coaching, and performance management

Experience creating and sustaining recognition and rewards programs

Ability to collaborate effectively across functional departments and influence without direct authority

Proven success leading projects using lean manufacturing principles and tools

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); SAP experience is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced knowledge and experience in Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) within chemical manufacturing operations

Six Sigma or Lean certification

Experience with ISO quality management systems

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a change agent who can drive meaningful transformation through contemporary manufacturing systems. You should be a decisive leader who can balance operational demands with strategic thinking, build high-performing teams that execute and deliver results, and navigate complex union relationships with professionalism and integrity.

BENEFITS

We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards that include merit increases, paid holidays, Paid Time Off, medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability benefits, 401(k)+match and life insurance. Eligibility of benefit timing may vary.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is Sun’s policy that applicants for employment are recruited, selected, and hired on the basis of individual merit and ability with respect to the position being filled. Sun prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law.

Employment agencies are an important component of our talent acquisition strategy, and we value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. We will not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies for any employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Sun Chemical or directly to hiring managers in any form without a signed contract on file, and search engagement for that position, will be deemed unsolicited in nature, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired as a result of the referral or through other means. Additionally, any resume submitted without a contract in place will be considered property of Sun Chemical and no fees will be paid to the agency if the candidate is hired. #ID23