Plant Manager

**Make a +Difference at Kraton**
- At Kraton, we make a Positive Difference, and we are looking for individuals who are also looking to make a difference in their jobs, for our customers and to the world.
- We are looking for a **Plant Manager** in Niort (France), who will be responsible for the overall management of Site Operations, with the support of the Site Leadership Team.
You will ensure the implementation of Operations strategy, supervise all activities, manage human and material resources, and drive compliance with a focus on safety, quality, and national legislation, playing a key role in the company's growth and in maintaining a safe and respectful work environment.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Leadership and Management**
- Provide clear direction and effective leadership for the site, and structure the local organization considering company long range plans.
- Ensure the development of people skills and promote a collaborative, long term, process-oriented work culture to achieve company goals.

**Operations Management**
- Oversee all site activities to achieve key objectives in terms of process safety and personal safety, Quality, Reliability, Productivity and cost-effectiveness.
- Ensure the implementation of all corporate policies and procedures, to foster a healthy, safe and efficient working environment.
- Drive the optimization of production processes to increase capacity and flexibility while reducing inefficiencies.

**Strategy and Planning**
- Define and implement the site's strategic directions in alignment with the company's overall strategy.
- Build and manage the site’s operating and capital budgets, and ensure appropriate resources are available.
- Monitor performance indicators, propose preventive measures and track corrective actions to improve process efficiency and business profitability.

**Representation and Social Dialogue**
- Represent the company in front of regulatory authorities and local partners.
- Ensure relevant and clear communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintain a constructive social dialogue with employee representatives and unions, in collaboration with the local Human Resources team.
- Promote a healthy social climate, develop and ensure compliance with collective agreements.

**Required Skills**:
**Soft Skills**
- Genuine leadership skills, with proven ability to build trust and lead through influence at all levels within the organization and alignment of cross-functional teams.
- Highly effective communication competencies, in both French and English.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Proven ability to read, interpret and analyze data to support smart decision-making.
- Ability to handle highly demanding assignments in a fast-paced environment, comfortable working with conflicting priorities and having a variety of roles on a daily basis.

**Hard Skills**
- In-depth understanding of Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing processes, Safety Management Systems and Quality standards.
- Proficiency in budget management and strategic planning principles.
- Strong analytical and advanced problem-solving skills.
- Efficient use of computers, Microsoft Office, and previous experience of ERP such as SAP.
- Good knowledge of laws and regulations governing businesses in France. Good understanding of environmental laws associated with Seveso ratings.

**Continuous Improvement**
- Practical knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and more generally Continuous Improvement principles.
- Demonstrated success in leading site-wide transformation initiatives and enhancing Operational Excellence through Leadership.
- Ability to drive and manage change effectively.

**Education, Certifications & Licenses**
- 5 year of certified University education in Chemical Engineering, preferably through a “Diplôme d’Ingénieur”, or equivalent understanding of theoretical concepts through exposure and field experience.
- 10 to 15 years of combined experience in Manufacturing or Engineering companies, preferably in the Chemical industry.
- Proven team management experience with direct reports, preferably in an industrial set-up.
- Additional certifications in Project Management, Lean Management, or Six Sigma are a plus.
- Additionnal information

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- The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. Statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required for this position._
- Kraton is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer._