Operations Manager / Processing Engineer

Operations Manager / Processing Engineer

Company: Donau Carbon US LLC Location: Dunnellon, Florida Position Type: Full-Time | On-Site Experience Required: Minimum 5 Years

Position Overview

Donau Carbon US LLC is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Operations Manager / Processing Engineer to lead production operations, optimize manufacturing processes, and drive continuous improvement at our activated carbon manufacturing facility in Dunnellon, Florida.

We are seeking an established industrial operations professional with a strong technical background, proven leadership experience, and the ability to identify operational challenges and implement effective solutions.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in strengthening operational efficiency, equipment reliability, workplace safety, and overall plant performance.

Key Responsibilities

Production & Operations Management

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations to achieve production, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Monitor and improve operational KPIs, including equipment effectiveness, production yield, uptime, and throughput.
• Optimize production processes to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Coordinate workforce planning, production scheduling, and operational resources.
• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Process Engineering & Operational Improvement

• Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and identify opportunities for optimization.
• Troubleshoot production inefficiencies, equipment performance issues, and process-related challenges.
• Develop and implement technical solutions to improve productivity, reliability, and product quality.
• Collaborate with maintenance and production teams to implement sustainable process improvements.

Maintenance & Equipment Reliability

• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime.
• Collaborate with maintenance leadership to improve equipment performance and reliability.
• Coordinate specialized maintenance activities, contractors, and equipment improvements.
• Support spare parts planning and maintenance efficiency initiatives.

Capital Projects & Budget Management

• Identify and recommend capital improvements to increase production capacity, reliability, and safety.
• Manage capital improvement projects from planning through implementation and commissioning.
• Oversee operational budgets and monitor manufacturing expenses.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality and regulatory compliance.
• Provide operational and financial performance reports to leadership.

Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Promote a strong safety-first culture throughout plant operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and applicable company safety and environmental requirements.
• Participate in safety inspections, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Implement corrective actions and promote continuous improvement in workplace safety.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors, operators, and maintenance personnel.
• Establish clear performance expectations and promote accountability.
• Foster collaboration between production, maintenance, engineering, and plant leadership.
• Support workforce development, training, and succession planning.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive industrial operations experience in manufacturing or processing environments — required.
• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Demonstrated experience in an Operations Manager, Plant Manager, Production Manager, or comparable industrial leadership role.
• Strong technical knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes, production optimization, and equipment reliability.
• Experience managing operational budgets and capital improvement projects.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in demanding manufacturing environments.
• Working knowledge of industrial safety regulations, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, decision-making, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, or optimizing rotary kilns and Raymond mills is a significant advantage.
• Experience with industrial pneumatic systems, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and process optimization.
• Knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), including programming, troubleshooting, and industrial automation.
• Experience in chemical manufacturing, activated carbon production, thermal processing, or mineral processing.
• Experience working in continuous-process or 24/7 industrial manufacturing facilities.
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ISO 9001 quality management practices.
• Advanced engineering degree or MBA.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on leader who can assess operational challenges, establish priorities, and deliver measurable improvements.

The ideal candidate demonstrates strong technical judgment, operational discipline, accountability, and the ability to lead teams through process improvements and organizational growth.

This opportunity is intended for an established industrial operations professional with substantial manufacturing leadership experience.

Join Our Team

Donau Carbon US LLC is focused on strengthening operational excellence, investing in continuous improvement, and building a high-performing manufacturing team.

We are prioritizing recruitment for this critical leadership position and encourage qualified, experienced candidates to apply.

Apply today to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person