Director of Operations at Royal Chemical Company – Macedonia, Ohio

If you are an experienced Operations Manager in the chemical manufacturing industry looking for an exciting new role in Macedonia, Ohio, please read our opportunity below to join this dynamic team!

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading plant manufacturing operations to improve operating margins, strengthen plant leadership, and drive operational excellence. This role provides full P&L ownership and ensures disciplined execution across production, cost management, people leadership, and process standardization. The Director of Operations builds high-performing leadership teams, implements accountability systems, and establishes clear KPIs to drive sustainable performance improvements.

1. Operational & Financial Performance Leadership

• Own full P&L responsibility for plant or multi-site operations
• Improve operating margins through cost control, labor optimization, and productivity improvements
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets
• Oversee working capital management, including inventory and cost control
• Partner with finance to apply cost accounting principles to operational decision-making
• Identify and execute continuous improvement initiatives that enhance profitability

2. Plant Leadership & Team Development

• Strengthen plant leadership by coaching and developing team
• Make tough personnel decisions when necessary, including removal of underperforming leaders
• Build bench strength and succession plans across operations
• Lead performance management processes with clarity and consistency
• Handle conflict directly and professionally to maintain accountability and culture

3. Accountability & Performance Systems

• Establish clear KPIs across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale
• Use data-driven decision-making to guide operational improvements
• Monitor plant-level metrics and hold leaders accountable for results

4. Process Excellence & Standardization

• Oversee development, and enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Drive process standardization
• Ensure operational consistency, compliance, and continuous improvement

5. Leadership Presence & Culture

• Maintain strong floor presence; routinely walk the plant floor to observe operations and engage employees
• Communicate directly, clearly, and constructively
• Remain calm and composed under pressure
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and operational discipline
• Other duties and responsibilities related to the position

Qualifications, Education and Experience

Education & Experience

• Operations Management
• 5+ years in chemical manufacturing operations
• Demonstrated experience improving operating margins and operational performance

Knowledge & Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of cost accounting principles
• Experience managing labor cost optimization initiatives
• Experience with working capital management
• Proven record implementing SOPs and process standardization
• Experience establishing KPIs and structured reporting systems

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to rebuild weak or underperforming management teams
• Experience implementing accountability systems
• Strong coaching and mentoring capability
• Comfortable making difficult personnel decisions
• Data-driven decision maker
• Direct and transparent communicator
• Calm under pressure
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• High personal accountability and integrity

Working Conditions

· Primarily plant-based environment

· May require occasional extended hours based on operational demands