Operations Manager

Company Overview

Firestone Polymers, LLC is headquartered in Lake Charles, LA and manufactures polymers and synthetic rubber in our world-class ISO 9001:2015, 14001:2015 registered plant located in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Firestone's unique anionic polymerization technology allows production of high purity, high molecular weight polybutadiene and a wide range of block, random, and vinyl modified styrene-butadiene copolymers. These products are sold around the world for use in tires, impact modification of plastics and hot melt adhesives. Statistical process control is used in every step of the operation. Firestone Polymers, LLC is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas, a division of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company.

Production & Skilled Trades

The Operations Manager reports to the Director of Operations and oversees 3 area managers along with a team of near 10 salaried and 80 or so hourly teammates. Manufacturing & Production Operations Management work encompasses managing/coordinating teams and processes across multiple manufacturing areas including:
• Production Engineering / Manufacturing Process Development
• Tool and Die/Model Making
• Production Operations (i.e., assembly, material forming/shaping, processing, treating, packaging, etc.)
• Production Planning/Control

• Manages a department or function that includes multiple teams led by Managers/supervisors and/or manages a functional area or process that may or may not have direct reports
• Ownership of short to mid-term (1-3 years) execution of functional strategy and the operational direction of the department
• Responsible for ensuring department goals/objectives are met and align to Bridgestone's overall strategy
• Oversees and supports development and execution of departmental strategy
• Requires ability to influence multiple, diverse stakeholders to accept policy, practices, and approaches
• Involves frequent communication with executive leadership on issues of significance
• Controls resources and policy formation in area of responsibility
• Influences, coaches, and develops union and non-union direct reports

• Other duties as assigned

Bachelor’s degree; 8+ years of relevant experience including 5+ years management or leadership experience

Or Master’s degree; 6+ years of relevant experience including 4-5 years management or leadership experience

What we offer

At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to “Serve Society with Superior Quality”, for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:

• A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
• The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
• Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
• A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
• A diverse and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.