Reporting To: Managing Director

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Plant Manager to spearhead the establishment of our new production facility near Houston, TX. This is a pivotal role that offers a unique dual-phase opportunity. The successful candidate will initially be responsible for the on-site project management. Upon successful commissioning, the role will transition into the permanent position of leading the technical and production departments, ensuring operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Phase 1: Project Support

• Project Leadership: Support to maintain project plans, monitor costs, mitigate risks, and ensure the project is delivered on time, to specification, and within financial parameters.
• Engineering Coordination: Act as the local technical liaison, coordinating and aligning the basic and detailed engineering plans with the appointed local design institute and other consultants.
• Supply Chain Support: Lead the process of screening, qualifying and onboarding local suppliers, subcontractors, and service providers. Support the tender and procurement processes to ensure value and compliance.
• Construction Management: Take on-site leadership from the installation, through commissioning and handover to the operation.
• Stakeholder Contact: Serve as the key point of contact for all on-site project activities, effectively communicating with local authorities, contractors, and internal stakeholders.

Phase 2: Operational Leadership

• Departmental Management: Assume full responsibility for the technical and production departments, driving efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Production Oversight: Manage the entire production process, ensuring output targets, quality standards, and health & safety protocols are consistently met.
• Technical Authority: Provide technical guidance and support to the production team, troubleshooting issues and overseeing maintenance strategies for all equipment.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, mentor, and lead a high-performing technical and production team, fostering a culture of accountability and professional development.

Essential Qualifications and Experience:

• A degree in an engineering discipline (Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or similar) or a related technical field.
• Proven, demonstrable experience in a similar project management role, ideally within a manufacturing or production environment, with specific experience in the USA being highly advantageous.
• A strong track record of managing technical projects, including coordination with design institutes and managing supplier qualification processes.
• Comprehensive understanding of production processes, technical standards, and health & safety regulations pertinent to manufacturing in the USA.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the aptitude to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders at all levels.
• The ability to work independently, demonstrate strong initiative, and solve problems decisively in a dynamic, start-up environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. Spanish language skills are an advantage.