Operations Manager, PET Polymers

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company's innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit www.eastman.com.

Responsibilities

Eastman recently announced the engineering and construction of a $1.3B molecular recycling facility at its location in Longview, Texas.

This facility consists of three distinct operating units, which will begin startup in late 2027 to early 2028.

Prior to startup, the job duties for the Operations Manager will be significantly different than for an operating facility. This position will participate in developing the organization including interviewing and selecting of the direct reports mentioned above and in operator hiring. The operations manager will fill a key role in overseeing operational readiness activities such as procedure preparation, commission and startup plans, development of long-term programs such as the corrosion and vibration grid, and similar. All systems required for safe and reliable operation of the facilities must be developed and deployed prior to startup. The operations manager will also participate in scope reviews associated with the new facilities and will have a voice in design details.

Closer to plant start up, job responsibilities for these positions will be consistent with job responsibilities for other area manager roles at the TXO site. The area manager will generally serve as the supervisor of the team managers, production technologist, and various day personnel such as the computer specialist and HSE operator. The area manager has primarily responsibility for personnel safety along with safe and reliable operation of the manufacturing unit. Additionally, the area manager is responsible for department costs and will correspondingly be involved with budget preparation on an annual basis.

The ideal candidate will have operations-related experience at a large chemical manufacturing facility. The individual should have strong understanding of the interfaces between manufacturing departments and support groups such as Development, Engineering, Plant Protection, and Analytical Lab.

Qualifications

Education:

Qualified candidates will possess a minimum of a BS degree in an engineering or related discipline

Experience:

5+ years manufacturing experience

2+ years of leadership experience required

Highly organized approach to delivering outcomes

Strong ability to communicate upwards and outside the organization and within the organization to direct reports and their direct reports

Highly flexible in a constantly changing environment

Strong analytical skills including PowerPoint/Excel fluency

Strong implementation and follow-through skills

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a powerfully diverse workforce and a broadly inclusive workplace, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.