Operations Lead

We are hiring an Operations Leader for our Baltimore/Curtis Bay, MD Plant, working a M-F, day schedule. Reporting directly to the Operations Manager, the Operations Leader at our 24/7 chemical manufacturing facility is an individual contributor with significant influence, responsible for supporting the Operations Supervisor, resolving personnel and coordination issues, and managing production planning and performance metrics. This fast-paced role requires resourcefulness, calmness, and confidence to handle reactive work and solve problems, with the goal of driving continuous improvements. The position offers opportunities to grow into supervisory responsibilities while ensuring smooth operations and proactive management.

The Curtis Bay plant, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is W. R. Grace’s largest manufacturing site. Operational since the early 1900s, this facility spans approximately 260 acres and employs around 700 people. The plant produces a variety of chemical products, including fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts, hydroprocessing catalysts, polyolefin catalysts, and silicas. These products are essential in industries such as fuel, plastics, food, beverages, biofuels, coatings, and pharmaceuticals.

Responsibilities

• Serves as back-up for Area Operations Manager
• Provides Operations Supervisor’s first line of support for resolving personnel and coordination issues with other functions
• Coordinates monthly area production planning factors with corporate S&OP to include Capacity & capability, EOQ and shutdown schedule
• Fields production schedule upsets and re-balances priorities to best achieve site and area goals Aggregates and record area performance metrics; Completes weekly performance reporting Conducts regulatory reporting
• Conducts incident investigations
• Manages, schedules, and coordinates area training
• Manages grievances
• Provides Operations Supervisor’s first line of support for off-shift problem solving & issues (people & coordination)
• Approves area maintenance work notifications with regard to quality, completeness, and priority
• Manages area maintenance work backlog and determine maintenance work for weekly scheduling
• Ensures supervisors verify and TECO completed work
• Accounting close (daily, weekly, monthly)
• AOP Cost Estimates, Updates and Forecasting
• Physical Requirements and EnvironmentMust be willing to wear PPE (Personal Protective equipment) including but not limited to hard hat, protective eyewear, steel-toed boots, hearing protection, Level A suit, full face respirator
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb stairs and ladders over 100 ft.
• Ability to work in a high hazard environment, including adverse weather conditions, elevated spaces, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and noisy surroundings.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and standards working in a laboratory environment with highly hazardous materials

Required Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of hands-on production experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Availability: Willingness to work in a 24/7 operational environment, including off-shift support as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience: Supervisory experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in production planning, process optimization, and regulatory compliance. Experience with maintenance management systems and performance metrics tracking.
• Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to remain calm and collected under pressure. Demonstrated leadership potential and the ability to influence and drive change.
• Certifications: Relevant certifications such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or PMP (Project Management Professional) are a plus.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance and Disability
• Grace Wellness Program
• Flexible Workplace
• Retirement Plans
• 401(k) Company Match – Dollar to dollar up to the first 6%
• Paid Vacation and Holidays
• Parental Leave (salaried only)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Company Donation Match Program
• U.S. Employee Benefits Summary (grace.com)