Operations Manager

Avantor is looking for an experienced and passionate Operations Manager to optimize our Performance Materials team in the salts business that is delivering results against some of the most complex business and technology initiatives.

This role will be a full-time position based out of our Phillipsburg, NJ facility. You will have the opportunity to lead daily operations while ensuring safe, efficient, and high quality production. You will also oversee supervisors and production teams, maintain compliance with cGMP, OSHA, Quality and regulatory standards, and drive continuous improvement efforts. If you would like your strategic vision to optimize workflow, minimize downtime, and ensure products are manufactured on time & in full (OTIF) while aligning with customer needs - let's talk!

The team

This team is part of our Salts department. It supports the innovation and growth objectives of major industries across the globe by providing rmaterials for pharmaceutical and biotech companies.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field (preferred).
• 8+ years of experience in production management within a chemical or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of cGMP, OSHA, and quality control practices.
• Experience managing unionized workforces and navigating labor agreements.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Continuous Improvement certifications are a plus.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, control overtime spend, and optimize operational costs.
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop and guide supervisors effectively.
• Expertise in quality assurance and adherence to compliance regulations in chemical manufacturing.
• Ability to optimize production processes, manage raw material inventory, and collaborate with purchasing and planning teams.
• Skilled in implementing proactive maintenance strategies to ensure optimal equipment performance and reduce downtime.
• Strong communication and conflict resolution skills, particularly in union environments.

How You Will Make an Impact:

• Oversee daily production operations, ensuring efficiency and alignment with customer expectations.
• Implement and enforce safety and quality compliance standards, maintaining Quality and OSHA requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging Lean Manufacturing & Six Sigma principles to enhance productivity.
• Manage raw materials inventories, coordinating with purchasing and planning to maintain optimal stock levels.
• Lead and develop supervisors, fostering strong leadership and accountability within the department.
• Monitor and control overtime spend, ensuring cost-effective workforce allocation.
• Implement proactive maintenance strategies to minimize downtime and ensure reliable equipment performance.
• Navigate and manage union relations, fostering a collaborative work environment while ensuring compliance with labor agreements.

Environmental Working Conditions & Physical Effort:

Work is primarily conducted in a chemical manufacturing environment, requiring compliance with safety protocols.

Exposure to chemical processes, machinery, and production equipment.

Requires occasional lifting, standing, and walking within production areas.

Must adhere to personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements as dictated by OSHA and company policies.

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Why Avantor?

Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.

The work we do changes people's lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom's voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.

We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!

Pay Transparency:

The expected pre-tax pay for this position is

Actual pay may differ depending on relevant factors such as prior experience and geographic location.

EEO Statement:

We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at recruiting@avantorsciences.comand let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please view the Know Your Rights poster.

3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:

By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation.

Avantor offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellness programs, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with company match, and an employee stock purchase program. Employees also receive 11 paid holidays, accrue 18 PTO days annually, are eligible for volunteer time off and 6 weeks of 100% paid parental leave (except in states that offer paid family leave). These benefits may not apply to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement or those subject to other eligibility rules.