Hickory - Plant Manager

Milliken & Company is a global manufacturing leader whose focus on materials science delivers tomorrow's breakthroughs today. From industry-leading molecules to sustainable innovations, Milliken creates products that enhance people's lives and deliver solutions for its customers and communities. Drawing on thousands of patents and a portfolio with applications across the textile, flooring, chemical and healthcare businesses, the company harnesses a shared sense of integrity and excellence to positively impact the world for generations. Discover more about Milliken's curious minds and inspired solutions at Milliken.com and on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

POSITION

 TITLE Hickory - Plant Manager

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This role manages the manufacturing facility to ensure ethical, safe, and efficient operations, delivering quality products on time. Responsibilities include engaging employees to boost efficiency, reduce costs, foster continuous improvement, and implement capital projects for safety, sustainability, infrastructure, cost reduction, new product development, and business growth. Based at the Chemical site in Owensboro, Kentucky, the Plant Manager reports to the Vice President of Operations in Spartanburg, South Carolina and oversees 11 managers and 35 hourly employees under a collective bargaining agreement. The plant generally operates 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. However, production can extend into the weekend occasionally.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Uphold the company's principles of integrity and ethical conduct at all times. Assume responsibility for achieving high standards in safety, industrial hygiene, environmental stewardship, and quality performance. Foster a culture of safety and collaboration through active associate engagement. Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations while pursuing continuous sustainability improvements. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of compliance obligations related to

CFR 1910.119

(Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals). Oversee delivery of the Supply Plan in alignment with the organisation's Integrated Business Planning (IBP) framework. Utilise available resources to drive ongoing enhancements across operational areas, including safety, sustainability, quality, delivery, cost, and efficiency. Maintain an effective Daily Management System to monitor and report key operational performance indicators (KPIs), and prepare for periodic reviews with business and divisional leadership. Support the strategic objectives and initiatives of the businesses served by the facility. Develop and implement processes for scaling up and integrating new products. Administer labor relations in accordance with Company policies and the collective bargaining agreement. Manage inventory levels within established parameters to meet short-term and seasonal sales requirements. Recruit, train, and release personnel as necessary to satisfy sales targets, adhering to approved budgets and standard costs. Provide effective leadership and management to direct reports, including performance management (objective setting and adjustment, offering timely feedback and recognition, coaching for performance improvement or maintenance, conducting performance reviews and salary planning), career development (regular discussions with employees regarding personal growth, development, and career aspirations), and cultivating transparent and trusting relationships that encourage high employee engagement and performance.

QUALIFICATIONS- REQUIRED

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering Minimum of 7 years of experience in chemical manufacturing or a comparable industry Minimum of 4 years leading both managerial staff and hourly employees Expertise in capital planning and controlling capital expenditures Proven proficiency in Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Operational Excellence, Safety, and continuous improvement initiatives Outstanding communication and active listening abilities Strong leadership capability, complemented by excellent communication, strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills Demonstrated ability to gather and assess data from multiple sources to inform decisions and align teams with the organization's strategic goals; possesses financial acumen to enhance efficiency in material usage, plant costs, and volume management

QUALIFICATIONS

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PREFERRED:

Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Working knowledge of

ISO 9001

Quality and Responsible Care 14001 Standards Prior Plant Manager experience Experience working with and managing a unionized workforce Milliken is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, including but not limited to lactation), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), ancestry, national origin, citizenship, age physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. To request a reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact TalentAcquisition@milliken.com.