Categories: Manufacturing, Chemical, Management, Operations

Job Description:

Plant Manager

Huntsman is seeking a Plant Manager to support the PU Americas Region – Colombia Cartagena Mfg division, located in Cartagena, Colombia. This position will report to Sean Forestier.

Job Scope

Responsible for leading the comprehensive operation of the plant, ensuring the efficient, safe, and sustainable execution of the production plan. This role makes strategic decisions related to reformulations, order prioritization, and resource allocation, in coordination with other areas of the company. Additionally, it leads improvement and expansion projects and ensures compliance with environmental, quality, and safety regulations.

In summary, as Plant Manager, you will be expected to:

• Communicate effectively in advanced English (minimum B2+ level), both in writing and speaking, to interact with regional and global teams.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee production, ensuring customer supply, inventory management, and raw material availability.
• Lead risk analyses for new products, technologies, and operations.
• Supervise compliance with EHS (Health, Safety, and Environment), quality standards, and corporate regulations.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, calibrations, and plant infrastructure.
• Execute and lead expansion, automation, and process modernization projects.
• Participate in internal and external audits (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, EPA, Factory Mutual, Responsible Care, corporate audits).
• Act as Compliance Officer for OEA (C-TPAT) matters.
• Promote social responsibility activities and relations with external entities (police, civil defense, industry associations, etc.).
• Ensure compliance with production, efficiency, cost, and maintenance KPIs.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Fulfillment of the production plan (tons, costs, and timelines).
• Control and reduction of fixed and variable costs.
• Compliance with EHS standards and environmental regulations.
• Audits without major non-conformities.
• Operational efficiency of equipment and maintenance turnaround times.
• Progress of expansion and modernization projects.

Qualifications

You must meet the following minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are considered added value to identify top candidates. The candidate must have unrestricted authorization to work with Huntsman in Colombia.

Minimum Qualifications

• Communicate effectively in advanced English (minimum B2+ level), both in writing and speaking, to interact with regional and global teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.
• A specialization or postgraduate degree in operations, production, or quality management is desirable.
• 5+ years of leadership experience in industrial or production plants, preferably in the chemical sector.
• Experience in implementing EHS programs and personnel management.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001), EHS, production planning, and cost control.
• Experience with maintenance, automation, and metrology software.
• Proficiency in office tools (Windows, Office).
• Skills in leadership, decision-making, risk management, results orientation, and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Negotiation skills, proactivity, innovative thinking, and relationship-building

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and knowledge in polyurethane (formulation and application).
• Certification or experience in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma.
• Knowledge of national and international environmental regulations.

Work Environment (physical and working conditions):

• Work primarily in an industrial plant with exposure to chemical processes.
• Requires strict compliance with safety standards, use of PPE, and active participation in HSE programs.
• Possible need for availability outside regular working hours in case of emergencies or audits.

Huntsman is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all qualified applicants for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation and/or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law in every location in which we have national or local facilities.

Please refer to https://www.huntsman.com/privacy/online-privacy-notice for information on the company's privacy and data protection.

All unsolicited résumés submitted by recruiting agencies are treated as pro bono information or service.

Huntsman is aware of a scam involving fraudulent job offers.

Huntsman does not make job offers until after a candidate has submitted an employment application and participated in a face-to-face interview. Please note that emails from Huntsman always end in "@huntsman.com," and any job offer that requires a payment or asks you to deposit a check is likely a scam. If you have questions about any open position at Huntsman, please visit our careers website at http://www.huntsman.com/corporate/a/Careers.

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