Plant Manager

Sun Chemical, a member of the DIC Group, is a leading producer of packaging and graphic solutions, color and display technologies, functional products, electronic materials, and products for the automotive and healthcare industries. Together with DIC, Sun Chemical is continuously working to promote and develop sustainable solutions to exceed customer expectations and better the world around us. With combined annual sales of more than $8.5 billion and 22,000+ employees worldwide, the DIC Group companies support a diverse collection of global customers.

Sun Chemical Corporation is a subsidiary of Sun Chemical Group Coöperatief U.A., the Netherlands, and is headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, U.S.A. For more information, please visit our website at  or connect with us on Linked In or Twitter.

We are seeking a Plant Manager to lead and direct all production operations at our Muskegon manufacturing facility. Reporting directly to the Site Manager, this role serves as a key member of the site leadership team responsible for driving operational excellence, safety performance, and financial results.

The Plant Manager will oversee solid manufacturing processes, equipment maintenance, production planning, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and quality standards. This position requires a strategic leader who can effectively manage union relationships, develop high-performing teams, and deliver results aligned with our Annual Operating Plan.

• Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve site objectives in safety, quality, productivity, service, and efficiency while meeting Annual Operating Plan (AOP) targets
• Ensure full compliance with safety and environmental regulations, partnering with professional staff to meet all regulatory and statutory obligations
• Maintain accurate and timely production records, reports, and documentation
• Control inventory levels for finished products and operating supplies

• Determine staffing requirements to meet production demands and communicate resource needs to the Site Leadership Team
• Develop and mentor production, warehouse, and maintenance supervisory staff through regular meetings, guidance, and performance management
• Collaborate with union leadership to ensure collective bargaining agreement compliance and resolve labor grievances effectively
• Foster a culture of recognition, engagement, and accountability across direct and indirect teams
• Ensure all supervisors receive comprehensive training in plant operations, safety protocols, and regulatory procedures

• Drive continuous improvement through lean manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, quality/ISO systems, and employee engagement programs
• Develop, document, and maintain standard operating procedures and work instructions for all production, warehouse, and maintenance activities
• Conduct labor and equipment studies, partnering with finance to establish accurate cost standards for budgeting and analysis
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, downtime scheduling, and repair activities
• Allocate resources dynamically to address unexpected production changes

• Champion a clean, safe, and healthy work environment through rigorous enforcement of HSE initiatives and housekeeping standards
• Lead by example in promoting safety culture and environmental stewardship

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management, Engineering, or related field with 5+ years of management experience in manufacturing operations, OR 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in lieu of degree
• Proven track record in manufacturing management; chemical industry experience strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience working in a union environment with expertise in contract administration and labor relations
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making abilities with experience establishing and tracking performance metrics
• Proficiency in financial analysis and P&L management
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and team development capabilities with a track…