Area Manager and Group Leader

Description

 The Texas (TXO) Pilot Plant Operations (PPO) Area Manager/PI Group Leader (AM/GL) is a dynamic role that combines the responsibilities of managing safe and reliable pilot plant operations with the leadership of a team of Process Improvement engineers across various operating areas.

1) Pilot Plant Operations Management:

In collaboration with Technology leadership, the AM/GL ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations within the Pilot Plant operating area. This role involves managing costs, labor, quality, and productivity, aligning performance with departmental, divisional, and business strategies. The AM/GL plays a pivotal role in developing the operations team, embodying Eastman's core values and behaviors to positively influence team culture. Additionally, the AM/GL leads the organization's Essential Operational Discipline, driving performance improvements and

strategic initiatives to address any performance gaps.

2) Process Improvement Leadership:

The AM/GL leads a Process Improvement Engineering Team within the TXO Chemicals Manufacturing Division. This involves supporting safe and reliable operations and fostering product growth through experimentation, capital projects, cost-saving initiatives, process improvements, and technical support. The AM/GL collaborates closely with business product managers, technology and engineering leaders, and manufacturing leadership teams. This role is also responsible for coaching and retaining skilled staff, ensuring their alignment with division and company objectives. The AM/GL promotes high-quality performance through feedback, training, and personnel development.

Responsibilities

Health/Safety/Environment:
•    Ensure employees are well-versed in and adhere to all HSES regulations, unit and plant procedures, Basic Safety Expectations, Process Safety Ground Rules, and Essential Operational Disciplines.
•    Support the achievement of department goals related to Personal and Process Safety performance.
•    Maintain a proactive field presence, regularly assessing work activities to identify operational opportunities and observe personnel behaviors.
•    Advocate for Life Critical Processes/Standards by demonstrating commitment through personal behavior and field coaching. Address deviations promptly and ensure thorough follow-up and investigations.
•    Oversee the completion of incident reviews, ensuring audit findings, RCA recommendations, and action items are resolved effectively.
•    Lead safety and asset integrity initiatives to ensure compliance and timely resolution of identified gaps.
 
People Leadership and Development:
•    Act as an inspiring coach and mentor to Team Managers, Day Staff, PI engineers, and other direct reports, sharing best practices, techniques, and tools.
•    Manage the area’s labor needs, collaborating with the Team Manager to plan resources.
•    Promote leadership development, knowledge retention, and training processes for continuous improvement of the Operations workforce.
•    Facilitate employee development and career success through goal setting, performance management, promotion processes, and development plans.
•    Guide and develop 3-5 PI engineers, ensuring they understand their alignment with manufacturing, business, and their impact on financial success.
•    Engage actively in recruiting, onboarding, and retaining TXO chemical engineers.

 
Boundary Management / Leadership:
•    Provide leadership to set standards and expectations for assigned units that foster teamwork, trust, ownership, excellence, creativity, innovation, and growth.
•    Influence and champion strategic initiatives and priorities, ensuring alignment with department, division, and business strategies. 
•    Manage long-term vision, mission, and key performance measures as needed.
•    Understand technology, business, and asset strategies, and communicate a clear vision to support these efforts.
•    Lead the development of effective cross-functional relationships within and across business, manufacturing, and technology teams.
•    Develop, maintain, evaluate, and prioritize a portfolio of growth and cost improvement projects, driving execution based on resources, capital funding, and business demand.
•    Prioritize team projects and tasks according to company needs, and monitor progress.

Qualifications

•    Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Similar Technical Degree, preferably Chemical Engineering
•    A minimum of 5 years of experience in engineering, maintenance, or related manufacturing experience
•    2+ years of direct supervisory experience in a chemical/petrochemical manufacturing environment, ideally supporting frontline teams within an Operations function
•    Candidate must possess demonstrated competencies in the areas of technical/process skills, leadership and management abilities, and written/oral/interpersonal communications.
•    Familiar with Essential Operational Discipline principles, best practices, tools, and implementation of related programs.
•    Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse team environment through all levels of the organization
•    Ability to contribute effectively as an individual and within a team, including experience leading individuals and teams indirectly
•    High degree of bias for action and ability to plan, prioritize, and work with minimal supervision
•    Demonstrated knowledge of environmental safety and health policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations including Process Safety Management
•    Excellent coaching and facilitation skills at all levels within the organization
•    Familiarity with change management concepts
•    Ownership and successful completion of complex and/or large-scale projects