Job Description

Plant Manager – Chemical Manufacturing / Minerals Processing

Location: Mojave Desert Region, CA (Relocation Available)

Industry: Specialty Chemicals / Mineral Processing

Employment Type: Full-Time

A leading global specialty chemicals and industrial minerals producer is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations at a key Calcium Chloride manufacturing and brine-field processing facility in the Mojave Desert region of California. This role oversees all daily plant operations, safety, quality, production, mining field activities, and regulatory compliance for a critical site in the company’s North American network.

This is a hands-on leadership position in a remote desert environment, responsible for driving safe, reliable, and efficient operations across chemical processing, field pit mining, food-grade production, and major capital projects.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operations & Leadership

• Lead day-to-day plant operations including production, maintenance, quality, logistics, and field brine activities.
• Develop and execute production schedules aligned with customer demand and inventory targets.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase throughput, reduce waste, and enhance reliability.
• Manage plant budgets, cost controls, OEE performance, and capital projects.
• Develop and mentor plant personnel while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork.
• Prepare operational and financial performance reports for senior leadership.

Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality

• Ensure full compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations including Cal-OSHA, EPA, DOT, and county requirements.
• Oversee environmental reporting, hazardous waste management, and spill prevention measures.
• Lead root-cause investigations, safety audits, and process hazard reviews.
• Maintain rigorous quality control systems to support food-grade chemical production.
• Coordinate annual regulatory and quality audits, including FDA, State of California FDB, NSF-60, Kosher, Halal, OMRI, and local county agencies.

Mining, Brine & Field Operations

• Oversee field pit brine production, brine well operations, and evaporation processes.
• Manage mining-related compliance including reclamation permits, annual inspections, and financial assurance filings.
• Collaborate with regulatory agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and local environmental authorities.
• Lead salt production forecasting, inventory planning, and truck hauling programs for harvested material.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering , Process Engineering , or a related technical field required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in chemical manufacturing, mineral processing, or mining operations.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing plant operations, production teams, and HSE programs.
• Strong background in chemical processing, brine systems, industrial minerals, or water-treatment chemistry.
• Experience with food-grade production, QMS systems, and regulatory audits (FDA, NSF-60, etc.).
• Demonstrated success leading capital projects, continuous improvement programs, and cross-functional teams.
• Strong working knowledge of Cal-OSHA and California environmental compliance requirements.
• Ability to work and lead effectively in a remote, desert-based operational environment.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to pass pre-employment background, medical, and drug screening.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Occasional travel (<10%).

Compensation & Benefits

A competitive compensation package is offered, including base salary, bonus opportunity, relocation support, and full benefits. Final compensation will be based on experience.

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