Alexium, Inc. (www.alexiuminternational.com) is a leader in the development and manufacturing of encapsulation, emulsion, and fire-retardant (FR) chemistries used across specialty chemical and advanced materials markets. The Dayton, Ohio facility serves as a critical hub for microencapsulation and phase-change material (PCM) production. We are seeking a highly motivated, results-driven Plant Manager to lead all aspects of site operations. This role is responsible for overall plant performance including safety, quality, production, maintenance, logistics, budgets, and delivery.
This position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and a hands-on, ownership-driven mindset in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. Dayton, OH area candidates preferred.
The successful candidate will enjoy an attractive compensation package including eligibility for cash bonuses and stock appreciation rights, a matching 401(k) plan, and comprehensive insurance programs.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS:
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 8+ years of manufacturing experience, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, microencapsulation, PCM, or related processes strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in scaling operations and leading multi-shift manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of EHS regulations, process safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Proven leadership ability with strong communication, coaching, and team development skills.
• Experience with budgeting, P&L’s, capital projects, and cost management.
• Proficiency in data analysis, KPIs, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Hands-on, ownership mindset with ability to operate effectively from plant floor to executive level.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Team Development
• Provide overall leadership and direction for all plant personnel across production, maintenance, quality, and logistics.
• Build, develop, and mentor a high-performing team aligned with company culture and values.
• Establish clear expectations, KPIs, and accountability across all levels of the organization.
• Lead performance management, coaching, succession planning, and workforce development.
• Foster a culture of safety, ownership, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
Operations Strategy & Execution
• Own full plant performance across Safety, Compliance, Throughput, Cost, and Delivery.
• Develop and execute production plans, capacity models, and shift structures to support growth to 24/7 operations.
• Ensure alignment of labor, equipment, and materials with production requirements.
• Drive operational discipline through adherence to SOPs, batch processes, and standardized work.
• Partner cross-functionally (R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering) to remove bottlenecks and improve flow.
Quality, Compliance & Documentation
• Ensure full compliance with EHS, OSHA, EPA, ISO, QMS, and GMP standards.
• Establish and maintain robust documentation systems including SOPs, batch records, and process controls.
• Lead root cause investigations, CAPA programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure all products meet customer specifications and internal quality standards.
• Drive audit readiness and regulatory compliance across all plant functions.
Process Oversight & Technical Support
• Lead scale-up and commercialization of new products from R&D into manufacturing.
• Optimize existing processes for efficiency (Cycle Time), yield (FPY), and consistency.
• Drive technical problem-solving using structured methodologies (5-Why, RCA, data analysis).
• Evaluate and implement new equipment, technologies, and process improvements.
• Support development of standardized process control strategies across operations.
Safety, Health & Environmental Responsibilities
• Champion a zero-incident safety culture through leadership, visibility, and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with all safety policies, chemical handling procedures, and environmental regulations.
• Lead incident investigations, corrective actions, and proactive hazard identification.
• Implement and sustain safety programs including audits, training, and behavioral-based safety.
• Drive continuous improvement in housekeeping, 5S, and safe work practices.
Financial & Business Management
• Own plant budget, cost control, and financial performance.
• Develop and manage capital projects from concept through execution.
• Optimize asset utilization, labor efficiency, and material usage.
• Identify and execute cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to executive leadership on plant performance.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Work performed in a chemical manufacturing environment with varying temperatures and process-related conditions.
• Position requires standing, walking, reaching, climbing, bending, kneeling, and occasionally lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Use of PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection is mandatory.
• Ability to support off-hours operations as facility scales to 24/7.
• Occasional overnight travel required.
• Must sign confidentiality, non-disclosure, and non-compete agreements as condition of employment.
