Plant Manager I - US
Chemtrade · Catawba, SC
- Level
- Manager
- Team
- Production
- Base pay
- $85k–$98k
- Degree
- Preferred
- Experience asked
- 5+ years
- Industry
- Chemicals
- Posted
- Recently
The role in 30 seconds
A management production role at Chemtrade (chemicals) in Catawba, SC. Also ensure the satisfaction of customers by delivering product on time (working directly or indirectly with Logistics and Customer Service department).
- They ask for
- 5+ years · degree preferred
- Tools it names
- EHS / safety
- Base pay
- $85k–$98k
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Production Engineer roles in South Carolina: typical posted base $108k–$145k. This one lists $85k–$98k.
Median of the low and high ends of 6 live postings that list pay, out of 22 production engineer openings in South Carolina, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
South Carolina plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 21 other live production postings in South Carolina.
- Base pay
- About 27% below similar roles
- Experience asked
- Less than usual (5+ vs 8+)
Typical $108k–$145k, from 5 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 8+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Team leadership 64%
- Lean 50%
- ✓ EHS / safety 41%
- New product launch 32%
- 5S 27%
- ✓ Cost reduction 23%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Production team at Chemtrade
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Full description from ChemtradeAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
Actively manage the site’s day to day activities in the production of safe, quality products. 50%
- ◆May be required to perform hands on operator and maintenance duties as required – e.g. making batches, loading trucks, repair of equipment, etc.
- ◆Provides motivation, guidance and direction in all plant activities.
- ◆Approves spending and other actions
- ◆Assures product quality meets customers’
requirements
- ✓Assures product deliveries meets customers’
requirements
- ✓Assists at other plant locations when possible
- ✓Provides technical support for customers as required
- ✓Ensures proper staffing of the plant.
- ✓Drive continuous improvement in all aspects of the site operations.
- ✓Focus on Continuous Improvement activities/projects to support value-addition and cost reductions.
Interface with Chemtrade and other personnel regarding safety, EHS audits and addressing EHS issues. 20%
- ✓Responsible for the overall safety performance at the site/plant.
- ✓Perform routine daily plant walks to monitor activities and safety issues.oPeriodically audit work being performed to ensure that all Chemtrade policies, standards and procedures are being followed.
- ✓Serve as the management representative for the site’s Responsible Care program.
- ✓Ensure timely reporting, investigation, and corrective action for EHS incidents.
- ✓Ensure timely closure of IMS action items.
- ✓Assure site compliance with all federal, state and local regulatory
requirements
- ✓Assist in the preparation of site specific safety and maintenance procedures.
Interface with customers, regulators, and Chemtrade personnel on quality audits, and on addressing quality issues. 10%
- ✓Serve as the management representative for the site’s ISO program.
- ✓Represent the site in customer audits.
- ✓Assist in or provide resources for quality investigations.oAssist in or provide resources for corrective actions.
- ✓Assure plant is maintaining requisite ISO records
- ✓Assure site compliance with ISO and NSF
requirements
- ✓Assist in the preparation of site specific quality procedures
Report and communicate site performance. Prepare Plans 10%
- ✓Prepare periodic reports on production, spending, reliability, EHS, Capex, etc.
- ✓Prepare and present same at periodic meetings.
- ✓Prepare weekly performance reports
- ✓Prepare annual production plans.
- ✓Prepare maintenance PM and outage plans.
- ✓Prepare capital and period cost spending plans
Interface with sales and marketing to ensure site goals are aligned with the business goals. 5%
- ✓Help direct reports in career planning and trainingoPrepare and maintain site personnel continuity plansoPerform other miscellaneous duties as directed by
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Job Description
Position: Plant Manager I
Primary Location: Catawba, SC
Schedule: Full time - Monday to Friday – 40 hours work week.
Reports to: Regional Manager
Chemtrade is committed to delivering innovative solutions that address the complex challenges faced by our customers. As a responsible corporate citizen, we prioritize safety, sustainability, and environmental stewardship in all aspects of our operations. Our talented and diverse workforce is at the heart of our success, as we recognize that their knowledge, skills, and dedication drive our ability to deliver exceptional products and services. At Chemtrade, we believe in creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents. By putting people at the center of our operations, we build strong connections, nurture innovation, and create a fulfilling work experience for all.
About this Role and About You
This individual manages all aspects of operations at the facility. The plant manager ensures the safe operation of the facility, ensures environmental compliance, is accountable for achievement of plant performance objectives and product quality, and monitors plant expenditures and budget. The incumbent will oversee some activities (i.e. manufacturing, maintenance) with his direct reports and will manage/direct others (i.e. quality, EHS, engineers) in coordination with the site Quality Manager, EHS supervisor and Engineering group representative. He/she will also ensure the satisfaction of customers by delivering product on time (working directly or indirectly with Logistics and Customer Service department). The incumbent is also responsible for managing the site CAPEX program. This is the top management position at the facility.
Knowledge
- •Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering preferred.
- •5+ years’ experience in a related management position preferred.
Competencies
- •Demonstrated hands-on experience in chemical plant operations and maintenance required.
- •Demonstrated excellent leadership skills
- •Excellent problem solving skills.
- •Excellent interpersonal skills.
- •Effective written and oral communication skills.
- •Ability to act independently and on own initiative.
- •Advanced proficiency in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel etc)
- •0 - 5% travel required. Primary travel within region to assist with vacation/sickness coverage. Travel for attendance in Manufacturing Department functions as required.