Plant Manager

JOB TITLE: Plant Manager

REPORTS TO: VP of Capex & Scale Up

STATUS: Full time, exempt

LOCATION: Beaumont, TX (onsite)

SALARY RANGE: $115,000-$145,000/year based on experience and interview outcome

BENEFITS: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, optional FSA, 401k with employer match, life and AD&D insurance, Employee Assistance Program, short & long term disability, tuition reimbursement, 21.67 days of paid time off + 10 holidays

About Tidal Vision:

We believe that sustainability should not require customers to compromise on price, convenience, or performance. Our mission is to create positive and systemic environmental impact by making our biopolymer solutions cost competitive, more convenient, and better performing than the synthetic chemicals we displace. We value innovation and take pride in challenging the status-quo; we choose to view obstacles as opportunities. We value new ideas and encourage the team to apply creativity and invent new solutions to meet challenging demands. We foster open, direct communication, and a collaborative working environment through our unique approach to work culture. We value our employees and demonstrate that through our compensation and benefits programs and opportunities for growth and development.

About Tidal Vision's Unique Work Culture:

Tidal Vision strives to build and invest in the highest performing and most innovative team. We put our people and customers above process, avoid company-wide rules as much as possible, and have the courage to take unusual approaches to advance our mission. With this approach, we believe we can create a more flexible, fun, stimulating, creative, collaborative, and innovative organization.

Our commitment to developing, practicing and promoting direct and open communication, responsibility and freedom, and leading with and seeking context is a responsibility for every role at Tidal Vision.

JOB SUMMARY:

Tidal Vision Products Inc. is seeking a skilled Plant Manager to lead operations at our new Beaumont, Texas facility, a cornerstone of our mission to sustainably upcycle seafood byproducts into valuable agricultural and industrial inputs. This site will produce liquid hydrolysate from shrimp shell and chitosan from crustacean shell, representing the next phase of our scale-up strategy to bring circular, ocean-sourced biopolymers and fertilizers to market. This position will play a critical leadership role in establishing operational excellence and culture at a brand-new facility that integrates multiple production systems under one roof.

Initially this role will report to the VP of Capex & Scale Up. Once the plant is commissioned this role will report to the General Manager of Operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Plant Commissioning & Startup

• Partner with the CapEx and Scale-Up Development teams to transition the facility from construction to operational readiness.
• Oversee installation, shakedown, and commissioning of process systems for both liquid hydrolysate and chitosan production.
• Develop startup plans, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and training materials for new operators and technicians.
• Lead initial production trials, ensuring product specifications are met and performance data is captured for process optimization.
• Establish the foundation for a seamless handoff to steady-state operations and alignment with the General Manager of Operations.

Operations Management

• Must operate and work within our Mission Driven Culture Core Values and Principles and encourage others to do the same.
• Direct daily production operations for all process lines, ensuring throughput, quality, and efficiency goals are achieved.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for production, downtime, yield, and energy consumption.
• Maintain production records, batch documentation, and compliance with internal and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate with supply chain and logistics to ensure timely material flow from shell receiving to finished product shipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and sustain long-term operational stability.

Safety, Quality, & Environmental Compliance

• Is the site lead responsible for ensuring all requirements of the safety program are met.
• Champion a strong safety-first culture, ensuring all personnel and contractors follow established safety procedures and PPE requirements.
• Implement preventive maintenance and housekeeping programs that support long-term reliability and odor control.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations and Tidal Vision's internal sustainability standards.

Team Leadership & Development

• Recruit, train, and lead a team of production and maintenance personnel.
• Establish performance goals, conduct evaluations, and foster a collaborative, problem-solving environment.
• Partner with corporate HR to develop training programs and advancement pathways that reflect Tidal Vision's growth-oriented culture.
• Collaborate closely with Quality Control (QC) staff to maintain standards and address deviations.

Continuous Improvement & Collaboration

• Work cross-functionally with R&D, Scale-Up, and Engineering teams to refine processes, incorporate lessons learned, and drive cost and yield improvements.
• Identify opportunities for process automation, waste reduction, and increased energy efficiency.
• Serve as the primary on-site leader, representing Tidal Vision's values and commitment to sustainable innovation.
• Responsible for training and implementing Basic Lean Principles as deemed by the General Manager of Operations.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, Business Management, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, preferably in bioprocessing, food production, or specialty chemical industries.
• Demonstrated success leading plant startups, process optimization, or multi-line production facilities.
• Experience with liquid hydrolysates or enzymatic digestion preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of industrial safety programs, maintenance systems, and process controls (PLC/SCADA).
• Proven ability to build and lead teams, manage cross-functional collaboration, and maintain accountability in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Excellent communication, planning, and leadership skills with a focus on results and continuous improvement.
• Experience with developing and implementing Lean Principles throughout an organization.

Working Conditions and physical requirements:

• Work is performed primarily within Tidal Vision's warehouses and production facilities.
• Must adhere to all company safety standards and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in designated areas and while on-site.
• Must be able to work in conditions where temperatures may fluctuate.
• Physical ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds required; must be able to pull, push, twist, balance, and move with general ease.

Licensing & Special Requirements

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.
• Valid driver's license required for any work-related transportation.
• Travel estimated from 10-15% will be required to other Tidal Vision locations.

Tidal Vision provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.