Operations Manager

Date:  May 12, 2026
Posting End Date: 
Location: 

Lawrence, KS, US, 66044

Company:  ICL Specialty Products Inc

As the Acid Operations Manager you are responsible for leading the manufacturing team to achieve operational excellence. This role encompasses effective cost management, ensuring a safe and compliant workplace, fulfilling environmental and health responsibilities, maintaining operational efficiency, and fostering continuous improvement. Additionally, this position will manage and develop personnel while maintaining positive community relations.

 

Where is this position located? 

This position will work at our manufacturing facility in Lawrence, Kansas

 

I’m interested! What will I get to do in this position?

 

Ensure Regulatory Compliance / Foster Positive Safety Culture

 

  • Responsible for employee compliance with plant fundamental and regulatory training
  • Foster a positive safety culture. Provide a safe work environment by ensuring safety goals are established and met. Participate in the Lawrence Plant safety programs and committees
  • Support the Human and Organizational Performance learning philosophy
  • Ensure environmentally responsible operations, compliance with governmental regulations (OSHA / EPA)
  • Maintain / support contractor and guest safety. Must be able to safely and quickly exit the plant in the event of an emergency
  • Ensure use of MOC as required

 

Meet Lawrence Plant Quality Program Requirements

 

  • Understand and follow all applicable Lawrence Quality System Procedures and assist in their improvement, implement corrective and preventive actions as needed with high focus on quality culture and continuous improvement
  • Comply with the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and the FDA’s Food Safety Modernization Act

 

Leadership and Management

 

  • Set and communicate expectations for team.  Promote employee growth and development, facilitate establishment of employee goals
  • Provide ongoing feedback and coaching. Foster an environment of recognition
  • Promote employee value and support diversity. Encourage positivity and an enjoyable environment.
  • Promote teamwork, participation, resolve conflicts, and consensus-style decision making 
  • Recruit prospective employees

 

Manage Plant Operations

 

  • Develop, implement and oversee a comprehensive maintenance program to ensure optimal performance and reliability of plant equipment and machinery
  • Meet production commitments. Lead and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and productivity
  • Collaborate with Engineering Manager to develop and implement short and long-term capital plans that align with the plant’s strategic goals
  • Manage plant product portfolio changes
  • Manage and optimize utility services (natural gas fired boilers, water treating, etc.) for the site
  • Focus on cost management. Develop and implement strategies to optimize operational costs by establishing budget and managing the fixed cost targets.  
  • Review costs monthly and communicate the budget variances
  • Provide contingency planning as necessary

 

Meet Business Commitments

 

  • Ensure compliance with corporate objectives and communicate / advocate plant capabilities
  • Manage and participate in customer visits and audits; respond to customer needs
  • Evaluate and implement feasible new product and process opportunities including interfacing with the Technical Sales Center and Sales Team

 

 

What skills and experience do I need to be successful in this role?

 

  • Bachelor of Science degree in technical discipline, preferably Chemical Engineering, with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience
  • Proven track record of progressive leadership experience, including demonstrated ability to lead teams effectively, drive strategic initiatives and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation
  • Progressive plant knowledge of manufacturing techniques and plant operations; and desire/ability to progress to a higher level position in the future
  • Strong analytical and decision-making skills
  • Strong interpersonal and labor-relations skills
  • Union labor management experience preferred
  • Strong interfacing skills at all levels, both internally and externally
  • Good work ethic and ability to provide technical support for a 24/7 operation
  • Ability to work long periods of time in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Both indoors and outdoors. Standing, walking, climbing ladders & stairs, etc. 


What will set me apart?

 

  • Leadership and team management – the ability to inspire, guide and connect with team members effectively
  • Union labor management experience
  • Strategic Thinking – ability to develop long-term strategies and align them with business goals
  • Results-driven mindset – demonstrates a strong commitment to achieving measurable outcomes by setting clear objectives, optimizing processes, and consistently delivering on key performance indicators


Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):


At ICL, maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is a top priority. Employees are required to wear appropriate PPE based on the task and environment. This may include safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face masks, and, when necessary, full hazmat suits with respirators. Adherence to PPE protocols ensures the safety and well-being of all team members.


ICL Job Level:  16 or 17 dependent on experience

 

Compensation at ICL: If you are hired at ICL, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and/or experience. We also offer a generous benefits package (more information on benefits listed below).

 

Salary Range: $80,000 - $132,000 annually

 

Annual Bonus Target: 12 or 16%, subject to plan provisions.

We've Got You Covered

ICL is committed to offering you a comprehensive set of benefits to empower you and your family physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. The benefits we offer to our diverse and inclusive workforce include:

  • Competitive base pay and performance bonus
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life benefits that start quickly – the first of the month after hire. Wellness Incentive Program to lower your health insurance cost
  • Inclusive benefits for growing families, covering fertility, adoption, and parental leave
  • Generous Leave and FMLA policies
  • Tax-advantaged health savings and spending accounts (when applicable)
  • Prescription program that provides most generic maintenance medications at no cost (including Insulin products)
  • 401k eligibility from day one of employment with a generous company matching contribution. 100% vested after one year of service
  • Crisis assistance available to support employees during unforeseen circumstances
  • Employee Assistance Program that includes comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
  • Student Loan Assistance
  • Business travel reward points are eligible for personal use
  • Paid time off to support volunteering and Employee Resource Group’s (ERG) participation 
  • Free membership to a program that offers various discounts for travel, entertainment, groceries, and much more

 

Who is ICL?

ICL Group is a leading global specialty minerals company, which creates impactful solutions for humanity's sustainability challenges in the food, agriculture and industrial markets. ICL leverages its unique bromine, potash and phosphate resources, its global professional workforce, and its sustainability focused R&D and technological innovation capabilities, to drive the company's growth across its end markets. ICL shares are dual listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (NYSE and TASE: ICL). The company employs more than 12,000 people worldwide, and its 2024 revenues totaled approximately $7 billion. To learn more about ICL, visit the company's global website www.icl-group.com.
 

EEO-USA

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disabilities


Nearest Major Market: Lawrence