Production Superintendent (Acid & Nitrates Operations)

Location: El Dorado, AR 
Compensation: $130,000–$150,000 base salary + 20% annual bonus
Schedule: Onsite, 5 days per week
Relocation & Benefits: Comprehensive relocation and benefits package available
Level: Senior Operations Leadership (Plant Manager–Level Scope)

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior operations leadership role with broad responsibility over critical chemical production assets. The Production Superintendent will have direct influence on how the organization operates—there is flexibility to challenge the status quo, implement improvements, and help shape the future structure of the plant.

This role is ideal for a proven operations leader who thrives in complex manufacturing environments, can hold teams accountable, and is motivated by the opportunity to grow into a General Manager role within approximately two years.

Important note: This position is based in a remote, rural location. Successful candidates must be fully committed to relocating and building their life in the community.

The Production Superintendent is accountable for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of nitric acid and ammonium nitrate production units within a large, continuous chemical manufacturing facility (~200 employees).

You will provide leadership to shift supervisors, process engineers, and operators while maintaining strict compliance with safety, environmental, and process safety requirements. Although this is not a pure technical SME role, strong problem?solving skills and sound operational judgment are critical.

Direct reports: ~7
Total indirect oversight: ~120

• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements
• Lead risk reduction efforts including MOCs, PHAs, incident investigations, and corrective actions
• Promote a strong, visible safety culture through field leadership and coaching

• Meet production targets while maintaining product quality and environmental standards
• Track and improve KPIs related to rates, efficiency, reliability, and emissions
• Identify and remove operational constraints using structured problem?solving methods
• Partner closely with maintenance and engineering to reduce downtime and improve reliability

• Lead and develop shift supervisors, operators, and engineering support staff
• Build and maintain operator qualification, certification, and training programs
• Drive accountability, performance management, and succession planning
• Serve as a strong people leader capable of influencing across all levels of the plant

• Act as the primary operational authority during abnormal situations and process upsets
• Support capital projects, turnarounds, and longer?term improvement initiatives
• Ensure operating procedures and documentation reflect current best practices

• Lead or participate in root cause investigations and ensure sustainable fixes
• Support plant?wide initiatives focused on cost reduction, throughput, and optimization
• Help modernize and improve operational discipline where structure is still evolving

Required / Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering degree strongly preferred
• 8–15+ years of experience in chemical manufacturing or complex industrial operations
• Prior leadership experience overseeing operations personnel in a continuous process environment
• Strong understanding of PSM and regulatory compliance
• Experience with nitric acid, ammonium nitrate, or similar processes preferred
• Proven ability to lead teams, make decisions under pressure, and communicate effectively

Leadership Profile

• Comfortable operating at a Plant Manager–level scope
• Confident holding teams accountable while building trust and engagement
• Willing to challenge existing practices and drive meaningful change
• Interested in long?term growth into a broader general management role

• Industrial manufacturing setting with exposure to chemicals, dust, heat, noise, and operating equipment
• Ability to climb ladders and stairs and wear required PPE
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs as needed
• Onsite presence required