Essential Duties & Responsibilities Informs Site Manager of all successes, issues, problems or concerns of Gels Department.Ensures the Gel plant and surrounding areas operates within all federal, state, local and company Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) requirements, policies, and procedures.Develops and administers yearly plant budget.Directs Operators to assure product quality and quantity at optimum utilization of personnel and facilities.Provides technical assistance and instructions to correct off-standard and emergency conditions, serves as incident commander when Site Manager is not present.Provides direction for operators in the safe operation and control of all equipment associated with Xerogel, Hydrogel and Warehouse.Involved with product planning and scheduling of all Gel assets, including multiple SKUs.Monitors and controls unit performance.  Reports deviation from plans and budget and takes action to correct deviationEncourages and implements participative management strategies to assure commitment to the business of all plant personnel.Encourage and implement teamwork environment.Participates and develops yearly goals with Union employees and management.Ensures work areas are maintained in a clean and safe condition.Ensures compliance with federal, state, local and corporate/plant regulations, requirements, policies and procedures.Manages operations to assure good environmental practices and stewardship to preserve PQ’s good neighbor efforts. Actively involved with the plant safety committee.Encourages commitment to CQI principles and Responsible Care and the use of techniques and methods to move safety, quality and production to levels at or above the goals the plant has set.Demonstrates health, safety and environmental leadership and commitment to Responsible Care®.Works with maintenance manager in directing maintenance effortsServes as management representative for ISO9001 and any food, safety or environmental certifications.Responsible for the areas as defined in the Joliet Plot Shaded responsibilities under Management Systems, PQ Vision.Leads and participates in EHS, quality and productivity initiatives.Encourages and supports employee development.Performs special projects or other duties as directed. 
