Deputy Plant Manager - Renewable Diesel Refinery

SUMMARY: The Deputy Plant Manager plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the facility. This position oversees the Operations, Logistics, and Wastewater departments, driving performance through strategic planning, cross-functional coordination, and continuous improvement initiatives. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Deputy Plant Manager supports plant-wide goals related to safety, quality, production, and environmental compliance, while mentoring department leaders and fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership to the Operations, Logistics, and Wastewater departments, ensuring alignment with plant objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and environmental stewardship by promoting best practices, auditing performance, and driving corrective actions.
• Collaborate with the Plant Manager to develop and execute operational plans that optimize production efficiency, resource utilization, and cost-effectiveness.
• Supervise and support the Operations Manager, Logistics Supervisor, and Wastewater personnel, ensuring effective leadership, workforce planning, and professional development across departments.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve process reliability, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, including wastewater treatment standards, reporting requirements, and permit conditions.
• Oversee inventory management, shipping/receiving operations, and supply chain coordination to support uninterrupted production.
• Facilitate communication between departments and senior leadership, providing regular updates on performance metrics, challenges, and improvement opportunities.
• Support capital projects, process modifications, and maintenance planning in collaboration with engineering and maintenance teams.
• Drive continuous improvement through data analysis, root cause investigations, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Maintain and enhance compliance with Process Safety Management (PSM), and QSH&E standards.
• Serve as acting Plant Manager in their absence, ensuring continuity of operations and decision-making.

 

REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor of Science degree with an engineering focus preferred; or five (5) years related experience and/or training in leadership roles; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 10 years refinery or chemical manufacturing experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams across multiple departments with clarity, consistency, and accountability.
• Proven experience in coaching and developing frontline leaders.
• Strong decision-making skills with the ability to balance operational priorities and long-term strategic goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Capacity to lead under pressure and adapt to evolving operational needs.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift 50 pounds, move from place to place in all areas of production and climb ladders or platforms while wearing all required PPE and production-related equipment.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work environment consists of office, plant production, and outside climate conditions.  Noise level varies within the production area.

 

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday, working hours to be determined. Occasional extended hours, schedule changes, and on-call availability will be required to respond to operational needs, emergencies, or special circumstances.

 

WHY JOIN SEABOARD ENERGY?

• Traditional benefits include: competitive pay, affordable medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage, retirement savings plans for full-time and active employees, flexible spending accounts, life/AD&D insurance, family life insurance and employee assistance program.
• Other benefits: career training and advancement, discounted pork products, employee referral bonuses, wellness programs, annual family events and discount programs. 

 

ABOUT SEABOARD ENERGY

As a Seaboard Corporation company, we work collaboratively with the other Seaboard companies to promote sustainable energy projects, including but not limited to, the production of biodiesel and renewable diesel.

Global agribusiness conglomerate specializing in pork production and logistics.