As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller’s (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

The Chemical Operations Manager reports to the Plant Manager and has primary responsibility for planning, directing and coordinating the production activities and resources necessary for manufacturing chemical adhesives in the Houston, TX facility.  This position is also responsible for assembling/packaging for consumer use and has a shared responsibility for maintenance.

The Chemical Operations Manager will be responsible for 1st shift production, 3 team lead direct reports, and 40-50 indirect reports.  They will also manage daily plant operations to ensure safety, volume, cost, and quality standards are met and ensure adequate resources to meet production schedules and safety procedures are consistently followed or exceeded.

Primary Responsibilities

Lead daily plant operations with a hands-on approach to meet site goals in quality, SIFOT, customer satisfaction, and production schedules

Champion a zero-defect culture in EHS, quality, and productivity through Operational Discipline (OD)

Promote and coach a quality-first mindset, emphasizing error-proofing, continuous improvement, and team development

Apply Lean principles and visual management tools to drive improvements in safety, quality, and productivity

Review production demands to determine staffing needs and support safety stock levels

Develop and implement efficient production flow strategies

Leverage knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and cost management

Enforce company policies while coaching and developing production staff

Provide daily support to shift managers and resolve operational issues

Serve as backup to the Plant Manager and oversee operational activities as needed

Achieve annual safety goals and maintain a strong safety culture

Own operational health and safety responsibilities and support EHS documentation

Participate in weekly Tier 3 meetings and address underperforming KPIs

Address employee concerns in partnership with HR

Lead semi-annual physical inventory process

Drive continuous improvement in housekeeping and 5S+1 standards

Collaborate with Supply Chain to meet SIFOT targets

Monitor and control departmental spending in alignment with budget

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Science or Engineerinng

5+ years of management experience in a manufacturing environment with multiple shifts

3+ years of experience with KPI reporting and presentations

PSM experience, including high hazard operations

In-depth knowledge of chemical plant operations and industry regulations

Strong leadership and team management abilities

Excellent communication and collaboration skills

Microsoft Office and SAP experience

Demonstrated proficiency in innovation, accountability, performance excellence, change and risk taking, customer focus, and teamwork

Preferred Requirements

BS degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering

Proven experience as a chemical plant operations manager or similar role

Strong knowledge of inventory control methods and project management techniques

1+ years of project management experience

1+ year experience with ISO 9001 or higher quality management system

This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship. Applicants must have U.S. work authorization that does not now or in the future require H.B. Fuller sponsorship of a work visa to work for H.B. Fuller.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.