HR Business Partner - Bayport Plant

About Ketjen

Ketjen Corporation is a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Our company is driven by a strong set of core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we work together to deliver exceptional value to our customers and communities.

About the Role

Ketjen is seeking an experienced Senior HR Business Partner (Senior HRBP) to support our Bayport, Texas specialty chemicals manufacturing site. This role serves as a key member of the site leadership team and a trusted advisor to plant leaders, managers, and employees, partnering closely with Operations, HSE, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and the Research and Technology (R&T) group.

The Senior HRBP will lead the execution of people strategies that enable safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing operations while also supporting innovation, capability development, and talent needs within the functions. This role requires a hands-on HR leader with strong business acumen, deep understanding of manufacturing and technical environments, and the ability to balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day employee relations and operational needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Business Partnership

• Translate business and operational priorities into effective HR strategies such as workforce planning, organizational design, talent capability building, and succession planning.
• Provide guidance on organizational effectiveness, change management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Analyze engagement, attrition, and workforce trends to proactively address risks and improve retention and performance.

Manufacturing & Site Support

• Serve as a visible onsite HR presence, spending regular time in the units to understand operations, workforce dynamics, and safety priorities.
• Provide senior-level HR guidance aligned to the realities of a manufacturing environment, including shift operations and a diverse hourly and salaried workforce.
• Partner closely with the Plant Manager and site leadership teams to reinforce a strong safety culture consistent with Ketjen’s values and operational standards.

Leadership, Performance & Employee Relations

• Build leadership capability at all levels of the organization through coaching, development planning, and ongoing support.
• Drive a strong performance culture through goal setting, timely feedback, performance management, and accountability.
• Lead and advise on employee relations matters, including investigations, corrective actions, and issue resolution.
• Ensure consistent, fair, and compliant application of HR policies and employment practices.

HR Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to streamline HR processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the employee experience.
• Partner with HR Centers of Excellence (Talent, Total Rewards, Payroll, etc.) to deliver integrated HR solutions and champion best practices, compliance, and innovative HR approaches for Ketjen.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Minimum 7 years of progressive HR experience.
• Minimum 2 years of direct, hands-on HR experience working in a chemical manufacturing and/or industrial plant environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in human resources or related field, or 11 years of progressive HR experience in lieu of a degree.

Preferred

• HR certification (PHR, SPHR, SHRM-CP, or SHRM-SCP).
• 4+ years of direct, hands-on HR experience working in a chemical manufacturing and/or industrial plant environment.