We connect science to life for a better future. With 50,000 patents, 20,000 employees and 58 locations worldwide, LG Chem is one of the largest science and chemical companies in the world. With its rapid growth, LG Chem endeavors to become a 'Global Top 5 Chemical Company' with a balanced business portfolio that has a competitive advantage across the globe, including business divisions in petrochemicals, advanced materials, life sciences, and a subsidiary specializing in batteries.LG Chem is a leading chemical company in Korea that has continuously achieved growth through relentless challenges and innovation since its establishment in 1947. From the infrangible facial cream lid to the world's most advanced batteries, LG Chem has turned dreams into reality and enriched our lives for 70 years. Building upon a balanced and globally competitive business portfolio, LG Chem manufactures a wide range of products from high-value added petrochemicals to renewable plastics, specializing in cutting-edge electronic and battery materials such as cathodes, as well as drugs and vaccines to deliver differentiated solutions for its customers.Beyond a chemical company, LG Chem will become a leading science-oriented corporation that creates value for our customers and is committed to reaching carbon-neutral growth by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050 by managing the impacts of climate change and making positive contributions to society through renewable energy and responsible supply chains.
JOB SUMMARYThe Production Manager is responsible for ensuring the attainment of the operational goals in the production area as well as to ensure the implementation of the company's vision and strategy. This role will provide leadership for the Shift Supervisors of hourly production employees and/or other direct and matrixed functional areas supporting manufacturing. Responsible for meeting production schedules, shipping schedules, maintaining quality, controlling manufacturing costs, maintaining maintenance, driving continuous improvement and lean practices, and promoting good employee and community relations within the assigned area.
- Responsible for all production area management responsibilities including hiring, training, coaching, performance management, compensation planning and employee relations for assigned departments.
- Daily scheduling of staff designed to meet customer demands including on time delivery. Assist Shift Supervisors and Production scheduling / planning to develop a production and staffing schedule that meets customer demands including on time delivery within budget.
- Assist in troubleshooting production issues and work closely with the quality team to develop standards as needed.
- Meet the budgeted goals of the P&L for the plant.
- Communicate strategic objectives (KPI's) and messaging from Operations leadership to assigned production areas. Conduct daily GEMBA meetings to measure achievement towards Key Performance Indicators and solicit process improvement ideas.
- Continually measure progress to KPI goals (Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost) and communicate to assigned personnel.
- Manage all production operations through Shift Supervisors and ensures compliance with all relevant policies of assigned areas, including production, inspection, quality, storage, maintenance, environment, safety, resources, and security.
- Promoting activities to manage and minimize yield loss rates
- Drive employee engagement programs for the production areas at the site with a strong focus on recognition.
- Demonstrate commitment to ISO 9001/16949/14001/45001 standard in all business practices by policies and actions. Good documentation practices are key to compliance with the standard along with ongoing training activities.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives (e.g., Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma) to enhance process efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.
- Conduct process trials and experiments to improve product performance and operational efficiency.
- Ensure compliance with EHS regulations and standards throughout the production process.
- Participate in safety audits and risk assessments, and implement measures to mitigate risks.
- Work with HQ, R&D, procurement, and supply chain teams to integrate new materials, technologies, and equipment into the production process.
- Collaborate with customers and suppliers to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of materials and products.
- Manage and use IT systems for business (including ERP, Master data management, procurement, production data management, etc.)
- Comply with business regulations and educate team members.
- Manage the maintenance team and set up appropriate roles & responsibilities with the production team.
- Reports the performance and plans of production-related activities such as production performance, utility usage performance, EHS activity performance, and facility improvement activities.
- Communicate smoothly with the management team.
- Optimize human and equipment operations to improve production uptime.
- Proactively address potentially difficult or complex employee relations issues while pulling in the necessary stakeholders (ex. HR, Legal, etc.).
- Initiate and drive change to implement lean principles and a lean management system across all functions within the plant.
- Other duties as assigned.
SKILLS / EXPERIENCE: - Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Polymer, or Plastics Engineering, Business Administration, or other related discipline preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in a plastics manufacturing environment (extrusion, injection, compression, hot embossing, or compounding).
- Minimum 3 years of people management experience in a manufacturing environment required.
- Excellent communication and coaching skills at all levels from the floor to top management.
- Proficiency with computer skills using a variety of systems such as MS Office Suite, ERP / MRP systems
- Proficiency with a recognized quality system, example: ISO9001, IATF16949, AS9100, etc.
- Working knowledge of manufacturing, quality, and safety practices.
- Prior experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and corporate safety initiatives.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.