Director, Manufacturing Site Operations

Overview

As the Manufacturing Site Operations Manager for our Utzenfeld facility, you will be responsible for leading all manufacturing operations while ensuring safety, quality, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. You will report directly to the Senior Director Manufacturing Multi-Site Operations and will manage a diverse team of production supervisors, maintenance leaders, engineers, and technical staff. This role requires a strategic mindset combined with hands‑on operational expertise to drive continuous improvement initiatives and maintain Celanese's position as an industry leader in specialty materials manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement manufacturing strategies aligned with business objectives and corporate vision. Translate corporate goals into actionable site-level plans.
• Safety Management: Champion Celanese's "Zero Incidents" safety culture by implementing comprehensive safety programs, conducting regular audits, and ensuring compliance with German regulations and Celanese global standards.
• Production Management: Oversee daily manufacturing operations, production scheduling, and resource allocation to meet customer demands while optimizing efficiency and minimizing costs.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain rigorous quality control systems to ensure products meet or exceed customer specifications and comply with ISO 90001, ISO 14001, and industry-specific standards.
• Team Leadership: Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team across production, maintenance, quality, and technical functions.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and other continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage annual operating budgets, including capital expenditure planning and cost control measures.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure full compliance with German environmental regulations, EU chemical directives (REACH, RoHS), and other applicable laws and standards.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain productive relationships with local authorities, community representatives, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Technology Implementation: Lead the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and digital transformation initiatives to enhance manufacturing capabilities.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical or comparable), degree in business administration or strong business and financial understanding.
• Experience: Minimum 15+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations within the chemical, specialty materials, or related industries, with at least 10 years in senior leadership roles.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of chemical manufacturing processes, equipment, and technologies relevant to specialty materials production (ideal)
• Leadership: Proven track record of successfully leading manufacturing teams, driving change initiatives, and developing talent.
• Operational Excellence: Demonstrated experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to improve operational performance.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with German manufacturing regulations, EU chemical directives, and international standards relevant to chemical manufacturing.
• Financial Acumen: Strong business and financial understanding, with experience in budget management and cost optimization.
• Language Skills: Fluency in German and English is required; additional European languages are advantageous.
• Digital Literacy: Experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP), manufacturing execution systems, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Change Management: Proven ability to lead organizational change and implement new processes or technologies successfully.