Chemical Operations Manager

Title: Chemical Operations Manager

Department: Operations

Location: Corporate

Reports To: Vice President of Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The Chemical Operations Manager will lead and support all aspects of UPT's chemical transportation business. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safe, compliant, and efficient execution of chemical transport services while maintaining strong customer partnerships, support the Responsible Care program, managing standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to chemical operations, and delivering technical training for both dispatchers and drivers. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement across the chemical division.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational & Safety Leadership:

• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations, OSHA standards, and company safety policies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and secure working environment, including functioning surveillance systems, gates, and facility entry points.
• Enforce adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols.
• Lead emergency preparedness and loss prevention initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible Care Program:

Partner with the Environmental Risk Manager to help support and oversee execution of the Responsible Care Program initiatives. Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, safety, and security standards in alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

• Operational Procedures:

Own and manage chemical division SOPs. Collaborate with stakeholders to regularly review, update, and enforce procedures to ensure safe and consistent operations.

• Customer Engagement:

Serve as a key point of contact for chemical customers. Build and maintain trusted relationships, ensure service expectations are met, and lead issue resolution with a customer-first mindset.

• Technical Training:

Develop and deliver technical and safety training for chemical dispatchers and drivers. Ensure that all personnel are equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet UPT's high standards for chemical transport.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Work closely with safety, operations, maintenance, and compliance teams to ensure alignment and communication across functions that impact chemical operations.

• Audit & Compliance:

Support internal and external audits related to chemical transportation. Lead readiness and response for audits tied to Responsible Care and DOT regulations.

Qualifications:

• 7+ years of experience in bulk chemical transportation, operations, or safety roles
• Strong working knowledge of Responsible Care principles and DOT/OSHA regulations
• Proven leadership in developing SOPs and training programs
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives
• Customer-facing experience with strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in the bulk fuel transportation or logistics industry.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong knowledge of DOT, OSHA, and hazardous materials regulations.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams).
• Experience with Transportation Management Software (e.g., TMW, GeoTab, PeopleNet) preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong judgment, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Experience in bulk transport services is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting, frequent walking, and repetitive motions.
• Ability to lift to 20 pounds occasionally.
• Visual and auditory acuity required for safe and effective performance.

Work Environment:

• Primarily office-based with routine use of computers, phones, and standard office equipment.
• Travel is required to other terminals, customer locations, or corporate office.