Plant Manager

Job Description:

Company Overview

Celeste was founded in 1946 in Wilton, Connecticut, as a perfume manufacturer and has since evolved into a global chemical company. Through decades of innovation and diversification, the company expanded into cleaning and odor control solutions, serving industries such as healthcare, aviation, and rail.

Celeste offers a broad portfolio including surface cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing, water treatment, MRO, and hand care products. The company is recognized as a trusted partner and leading innovator, serving commercial airlines and rail customers worldwide with high-quality solutions and strong customer service.

Our Values:

• Simplicity: focusing on the essential core of each business opportunity, guided by the “80/20” rule to streamline processes, systems and structures.
• Shared risk: collaborating as a team, taking joint responsibility, and learning from trial and error to drive innovation.
• Integrity: honesty, transparency, and doing the right thing in all business dealings, regardless of brand and location.
• Respect: valuing diversity in cultural backgrounds and fostering an open environment where innovation can thrive.
• Trust: relying on employees to uphold the highest professional standards and act in the company’s best interests.

What We Offer:

ITW’s benefits package is designed to provide comprehensive support for physical, mental, and financial well-being including healthcare, retirement planning, paid leave, wellness programs, and opportunities for charitable involvement.

Position Summary:

 The Plant Manager position is responsible for all aspects of production and supply chain leading continuous improvement initiatives and optimizing processes to produce high-quality products with competitive costs and lead times. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of the chemical manufacturing business, manufacturing operations, supply chain, customer relationship management, employee engagement, talent development, leadership, and safety. This position reports to the ITW Fluids NA Operations Director and is based out of the Easton, MD facility. Production line supervisors, Maintenance, Procurement and Receiving/Shipping will report into this position.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead initiatives to achieve zero lost-time and zero medical treatment injuries. Ensure full compliance with all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations. Chair and actively lead the site EHS committee.
• Champion adherence to the company’s quality policy. Drive continuous process improvement and implement ITW 80/20 Toolbox methodologies to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Manage inventory levels and ensure accuracy of ERP transactions. Drive reduction of customer credits through improved operational precision and process discipline.
• Maintain appropriate stocking levels to meet customer demand. Lead production, maintenance, and shipping teams to consistently deliver high-quality products and service.
• Partner closely with Human Resources to lead with integrity and foster a strong culture. Mentor and develop team members while supporting the successful execution of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with R&D and Marketing to advance ITW 80/20 and Customer-Backed Innovation (CBI) initiatives. Support divisional strategic priorities and travel as needed to meet business objectives.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field preferred
• 3–5 years of plant or manufacturing leadership experience (chemical manufacturing preferred)
• Understanding of business fundamentals (budgeting, planning, resource management, HR)
• Familiarity with manufacturing equipment and operations
• Knowledge of safety, quality, productivity, inventory, and operational processes
• Experience with inventory management and MRP systems
• Understanding of OSHA, EPA, AS9100, NFPA requirements
• GMP/cGMP knowledge is a plus
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, 80/20, JIT, 5S, Kanban, or similar methodologies

Compensation Information:

$120,000 - $150,000

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.