Production Manager

Job Description:

Production Manager

Job Scope  

The Los Angeles Huntsman site produces high‑value specialty epoxy and polyurethane materials, mainly for aerospace, automotive, energy, and industrial applications,

Beyond operational excellence, this role is designed for a leader with the ambition and capability to grow by leading transformational initiatives and strengthening leadership routines across the floor and the Site Leadership Team (SLT).

Key Responsibilities:

Safety & Compliance (Zero Harm / Process Safety First)

• Lead with Active and Visible Safety Leadership, ensuring a culture where safety is embedded in planning, decisions, and daily execution.
• Ensure full compliance with EHS federal and state laws and Huntsman corporate standards, with emphasis on Process Safety.
• Drive robust incident and near-miss reporting and investigations, using structured methods (e.g., 5-Why / root cause) and ensuring follow-through on corrective actions.

Production & Delivery Performance

• Oversee Production and Packaging to deliver output on time, in full, and to agreed quality, in strong partnership with Supply Chain.
• Improve productivity, reliability, and operational discipline through effective daily management systems and performance routines.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead site improvement initiatives to elevate the LA site toward “world class” performance using Lean / Six Sigma / DMAIC tools as appropriate.
• Champion and sustain 5S and strong housekeeping standards across production areas.

People Leadership & Culture

• Provide direct leadership to Production and Packaging teams: set expectations, reinforce accountability, coach performance, and develop talent through feedback and day-to-day leadership.
• Model Huntsman’s leadership expectations—Lead by Example, Create Ownership, Promote Innovation, and Celebrate Success effectively—building engagement and a high-performance culture.
• Communicate openly and address disagreement constructively promoting respectful, solution-oriented problem solving.

What Success Looks Like (First 6–12 Months)

• Safety leadership is visible and measurable; teams adopt consistent Zero Harm behaviors and follow-through.
• Production meets commitments with improved efficiency and quality performance.
• CI pipeline is active, prioritized, and delivering tangible improvements using Lean/Six Sigma discipline.
• Bench strength improves supervisors and frontline leaders are coached, expectations are clear, and accountability is consistent.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science/Engineering (Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering preferred); MBA a plus.
• 10+ years relevant experience in chemical manufacturing / process environment
• Demonstrated capability leading operations with strong safety mindset; ability to influence across functions and lead through change.
• Experience applying Lean / Six Sigma / structured problem solving in manufacturing settings.
• This role may involve materials regulated under RCRA; appropriate training will be provided prior to involvement.

Working Environment

• Involvement in process plant operations, including Production and Packaging

• Exposure to materials regulated under RCRA

• Office and manufacturing environment; shift flexibility may be required

What can we offer you?

• Salary: $130,000 – $150,000 per year.
• The compensation range reflects the Company’s reasonable expectation at the time of posting, considering education, experience, and training.

Benefits:

• Competitive healthcare, dental, and vision starting Day One

• One additional week of paid time off on top of vacation

• 401k – Huntsman automatically contributes 6% of eligible pay; company will match $1 for every $1 contributed up to a maximum of 4% 

Additional Locations: