Plant Manager

Job Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day plant operations to meet production goals while maintaining product quality and cost efficiency.
• Oversee the preparation, blending, and packaging of wood preservative chemicals (e.g., copper-based solutions, organic biocides).
• Monitor process parameters and production KPIs to identify and resolve bottlenecks, deviations, or inefficiencies.
• Ensure plant compliance with all applicable EPA regulations, particularly FIFRA, and other federal, state, and local environmental laws.
• Builds and maintains productive relationships with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies.
• Oversee and maintain plant safety programs including process safety management (PSM), hazardous communication (HAZCOM), and spill response plans.
• Oversee incident investigations, root cause analyses, and corrective actions for all safety and environmental events.
• Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure products meet EPA registration requirements and customer specifications.
• Enforce SOPs, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and internal quality standards.
• Support internal and external audits (EPA, OSHA, customer, ISO, etc.).
• Oversee maintenance of plant equipment, tanks, pumps, and piping systems to ensure reliability and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee preventive maintenance schedules and coordinate with the maintenance team on repairs and upgrades.
• Manage utilities and infrastructure to support continuous and safe operations.
• Supervise and coach plant personnel Foster a culture of teamwork, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Manage staffing levels, shift scheduling, and employee feedback.
• Coordinate with procurement and warehouse teams to ensure availability of raw materials (e.g., copper compounds, solvents) and packaging components.
• Track usage and inventory of hazardous materials and finished goods in compliance with local and federal regulations.
• Ensure accurate production and inventory reporting in ERP or MES systems.
• Identify and lead process optimization and Lean/6 improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and lower operating costs.
• Support capital projects, new equipment installation, and automation initiatives.
• Monitor plant operating costs and help develop the annual operating budget.
• Provide daily, weekly, and monthly production reports to senior management.
• Act as the site representative during inspections, audits, and emergency events.
• Maintain strong communication with Zero Harm, Quality, R&D, and upper management.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• BS Degree in an Engineering, Chemistry, or Operations discipline; MBA would be advantageous.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive operations experience.
• Experience with Change Management and Leadership development.
• Experience in financial reporting with proven business acumen.
• Safety, health, environmental awareness. Experience with Responsible Care is a plus.
• Strives to achieve operational excellence.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to interact with customers, suppliers, contractors and peer groups in a professional manner.
• Strong knowledge of chemical plant operations, hazardous materials handling, and environmental regulations (EPA, OSHA, DOT, etc.).
• Proficiency with production software (ERP, MES, Excel, etc.).
• Up to 10% travel required and available evenings and weekends for consultation as required.

Koppers Inc. and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other category or characteristic protected by federal law, state or local law.