Director of Operations

Job description

Location: South Western Michigan Region

Industry: Polymer / Polypropylene Manufacturing

Reports to: COO or President

Position Overview

We are seeking a high-caliber VP / Director of Compounding to lead our advanced polymer processing facility located on the Indiana-Michigan border. This is a critical leadership role for a technical expert who lives and breathes polypropylene (PP) compounding.

You will be responsible for the strategic oversight of our compounding operations, ensuring that our production lines achieve peak efficiency, rigorous quality standards, and innovative material formulations. If you are a master of twin-screw extrusion, melt-flow optimization, and operational excellence, we want you at the helm. We will be setting up the plant and commissioning the equipment in Feb and March. Sister plant operations on the west coast are already running.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Direct all compounding activities, from raw material intake to finished pelletization. Optimize throughput and minimize scrap rates.
• Technical Authority: Act as the subject matter expert (SME) for polypropylene formulations, including the integration of fillers (talc, glass fiber), impact modifiers, and UV stabilizers.
• Process Engineering: Oversee the troubleshooting and fine-tuning of extrusion equipment. Implement advanced process controls to ensure consistent melt quality.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute the annual operating budget, CAPEX projects for new machinery, and long-term scaling strategies.
• Quality & Compliance: Ensure all products meet ISO and customer-specific automotive, industrial, or consumer goods specifications.
• Team Mentorship: Lead, recruit, and develop a high-performing team of engineers, supervisors, and technicians, fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma).

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 10 years in polymer compounding, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (plant manager level).
• Subject Matter Expertise: Deep technical knowledge of polypropylene (PP) chemistry, rheology, and processing nuances.
• Technical Skills: Extensive experience with twin-screw extrusion technology and downstream pelletizing systems.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, or Materials Science. (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• Location: Ability to work on-site in Northern Indiana. Travel required to sister plant periodically.

Preferred Skills

• Proven track record in startup environments or scaling up greenfield operations.
• Expertise in recycled polypropylene streams and sustainable compounding practices.