Operations Manager - Tennessee

Operations Manager – Tennessee Location

Job Summary

We are seeking a strategic, results-oriented Operations Manager to lead overall plant operations at our Tennessee manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for overseeing production, maintenance, EHS, continuous improvement initiatives, and the execution of operational strategies to achieve business objectives.

The Operations Manager will have full accountability for ensuring the plant operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulatory and company requirements. This position will drive operational excellence, optimize manufacturing performance, develop high-performing teams, and serve as a key liaison between the Tennessee facility and China Headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

1. Overall Operations Management

• Develop and execute the plant’s annual operating plan, budget, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Maintain accountability for plant performance, including P&L, OEE, quality, safety, cost, and delivery objectives.
• Ensure operational goals are achieved through effective planning, execution, and performance management.

2. Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Operational Excellence (OE) initiatives and Lean Manufacturing programs to improve productivity, quality, cost competitiveness, and operational agility.
• Identify, prioritize, and execute strategic cross-functional improvement projects.
• Establish a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making.

3. Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop functional leaders across Production, Process Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, and other operational areas.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on safety, quality, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Develop organizational capabilities through talent management, succession planning, and leadership development.

4. Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Serve as the primary operational leader responsible for EHS and quality compliance.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company policies and applicable management system standards.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure continuous improvement in environmental, health, and safety performance.

5. Supply Chain & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Planning, Procurement, Logistics, Quality, Engineering, and other functions to optimize end-to-end supply chain performance.
• Ensure stable material availability, production continuity, and reliable customer delivery.
• Support effective communication and alignment across all operational functions.

6. Capital Projects & New Technology

• Lead, evaluate, and approve key capital expenditure (CapEx) projects to support plant growth and operational improvements.
• Drive implementation of new technologies, processes, and automation solutions to enhance long-term competitiveness.
• Support facility expansion, startup, and improvement initiatives as required.

7. Headquarters Collaboration & Reporting

• Act as the primary operations representative for the Tennessee plant.
• Provide regular performance updates, operational insights, and strategic recommendations to China Headquarters.
• Translate corporate strategies into effective local execution plans while maintaining alignment between global and local teams.

Qualifications & Skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• MBA or advanced technical/business degree preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of operations leadership experience within chemical, pharmaceutical, advanced manufacturing, or related industries.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a Plant Manager, Operations Manager, or equivalent senior manufacturing leadership role.
• Demonstrated success leading Lean transformations, greenfield/brownfield startups, major improvement initiatives, or operational turnaround projects.
• Experience working in multinational companies, global manufacturing environments, or Sino-U.S. joint ventures strongly preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strategic & Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, P&L ownership, budgeting, and capital planning.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead diverse teams, develop talent, manage change, and build a strong performance culture.
• Problem Solving: Excellent analytical skills with the ability to make sound decisions and resolve complex operational challenges.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with global headquarters, local teams, customers, and external partners.

Language Requirements

• Fluent written and spoken English required.
• Mandarin Chinese proficiency is highly preferred due to collaboration with China Headquarters.
• Additional language skills are a plus.

Benefits & Rewards

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Our benefits include:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: The company currently provides a 100% match on the first 5% of employee contributions, helping employees build long-term financial security.
• Medical Insurance: Comprehensive group medical coverage options.
• Dental & Vision Insurance: Group dental and vision plans to support employees and their families.
• Life Insurance: Company-provided life insurance coverage.
• Disability Benefits: Short-term and long-term disability benefits to provide income protection and security.
• Voluntary Benefits: Additional optional benefits designed to meet employees’ individual needs and preferences.

We are committed to creating a supportive workplace where employees can grow professionally while receiving competitive benefits and resources that contribute to their overall quality of life.

About the Company

We are a global, technology-driven manufacturing organization committed to advancing sustainable solutions and supporting the transition toward a cleaner energy future. Founded with roots in the renewable energy sector, our organization has evolved into an innovative industrial partner delivering high-performance materials, technologies, and solutions that enable a more sustainable world.

With a strong foundation in green energy development, we combine advanced manufacturing capabilities, engineering expertise, and continuous innovation to serve rapidly growing global markets. Our operations are built around principles of environmental responsibility, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.

As we expand our presence in North America, we are establishing a world-class manufacturing operation in Tennessee to support future growth, strengthen local capabilities, and bring our global expertise closer to our customers. This facility represents a significant strategic investment and will play a key role in delivering sustainable products and solutions while creating a high-performance manufacturing culture.

We are seeking talented leaders who share our commitment to innovation, sustainability, safety, and operational excellence to help build and lead this next phase of growth.