Operations & HSES Engineer

Founded in 1920, Eastman is a global specialty materials company that produces a broad range of products found in items people use every day. With the purpose of enhancing the quality of life in a material way, Eastman works with customers to deliver innovative products and solutions while maintaining a commitment to safety and sustainability. The company’s innovation-driven growth model takes advantage of world-class technology platforms, deep customer engagement, and differentiated application development to grow its leading positions in attractive end markets such as transportation, building and construction, and consumables. As a globally inclusive company, Eastman employs approximately 14,000 people around the world and serves customers in more than 100 countries. The company had 2024 revenue of approximately $9.4 billion and is headquartered in Kingsport, Tennessee, USA. For more information, visit 

Responsibilities

The Operations & HSES Engineer plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive operational support to the Bayway Plant. This position focuses on enhancing efficiency of operations including production supervision, inventory management, procurement, logistics, and administrative operations to optimize overall plant performance. The role will be the local lead for the health, safety, environment, and security (HSES) program.

Key Responsibilities

• Production Supervision
  • Support execution of the day-to-day production plan in collaboration with business operation planners.
  • Identify and resolve operational and quality issues to minimize disruptions in the production process (OEE)
  • Maintain a safe working environment for employees and contractors, issuing and adhering to health and safety policies and regulations (permits, LOTO, etc.).
  • Implement and enforce essential operating disciplines to drive safe and efficient manufacturing processes.
  • Monitor production performance metrics and implement corrective actions to address any deviations from targets.
  • Support the development of a skilled workforce through ongoing training, coaching, and mentoring.
  • Ensure compliance with Quality Management Systems and maintain high standards for product quality.
  • Support initiatives to optimize production costs while maintaining quality and efficiency.

• Inventory Management
  • Develop and refine procedures to ensure accurate and sufficient physical counts of inventory, including raw materials, in-process, finished goods at both the plant and third-party warehouses.
  • Conduct regular inventory audits and collaborate with planners to maintain optimal product availability for timely customer and warehouse shipments.

• Procurement & Logistics Administration
  • Manage all aspects of on-site Indirect Purchasing, including processing purchase requisitions and orders efficiently to support operational needs.
  • Actively troubleshoot and resolve issues related to blocked invoices and ensure prompt approval of plant invoices for services and goods.
  • Serve as liaison between plant departments and customer service to facilitate effective order processing and logistics handle.

• Third-Party Logistics Management
  • Oversee the relationship with third-party warehouses, managing inventory effectively and addressing any challenges in shipping products to customers and Eastman warehouses.
  • Verify and reconcile monthly invoices from third-party logistics providers to ensure accurate billing and inventory records.

HSES Coordination

• Safety Program Implementation
• • Collaborate with site management to implement Eastman HSES policies and guidelines, fostering a culture of safety and compliance with employees, contractors, and visitors
  • Provide operational support for safety training and development initiatives, ensuring all employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to maintain a safe work environment.
  • Develop and implement safety Continuous Improvement Plan to enhance operational efficiency and productivity. Conduct regular assessments and track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of initiatives.
  • Organize and lead regular safety meetings to discuss safety protocols and updates to foster a culture of safety by encouraging open communication and feedback from team members.
  • Manage the necessary permits and licenses for contractors and projects as required including sufficient operational flexibility, timing, and provisions for tooling to ensure compliance.
  • Establish partnerships with broader HSES organization, other site and organizations to share best practices and resources.
  • Maintain program to assess, verify, and qualify the safety performance vendors and contractors before initial or continuous engagement for goods or services.
  • Manage industrial hygiene programs to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
  • Coordinate programs for onsite safety devices and PPE (i.e. shoes, eyewear, and uniforms) ensuring employees have access to necessary protective gear.

• Regulatory Compliance
  • Implement site HSES programs including but not limited to personnel safety, facility security, HazCom, DPCC, RCRA, and wastewater. Manage permit compliance and training and development.
  • Provide environmental guidance, develop procedures and training programs related to safety and environmental health as needed.

• Plant Security
  • Manage and support plant security systems, including maintaining the BOSCH system and managing ID badges and security key FOBs.
  • Coordinate and communicate with broader refinery security.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in science or engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Environmental, Industrial Safety) or related discipline.
• Minimal experience 2 years in a unionized manufacturing plant preferred.
• Strong computer skills (Excel, Word, Outlook, SAP).
• Experience/familiarity with State and Federal safety/health/environmental regulations preferred.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate openly and effectively with people at all levels, including good oral and written communication skills.
• Technical skills and effective analytical and troubleshooting/problem-solving skills. Must possess the ability to make quick and effective decisions.
• Demonstrated leadership and results-orientation through focus on achieving the cost, production and other strategic targets of the business.
• Prior SAP experience highly desired.
• Be a self-starter and self-motivator

Eastman Chemical Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, veteran status or any other protected classes as designated by law.

Eastman is committed to creating a highly engaged workforce, where everyone can contribute to their fullest potential each day.