Responsibilities & Opportunities

Sika is seeking an experienced Production Manager to support our Ames, IA location, Colorbiotics. 

Colorbiotics is an industry leader in colorant technology, utilizing their scientifically-backed pigment process to infuse high-quality color into a variety of landscape, recreational and asphalt products. 

The Plant Manager has direct responsibility for managing daily plant production to ensure safety, quality, people, delivery and costs standards are met. The successful candidate also implements company policies, ensures coaching, development and team building of the production staff assuring performance goals are achieved consistently. The Production Manager drives zero defect culture in safety, quality and productivity.  supporting the overall operation of the facility and providing functional direction to the production team.

 

Primary Duties:

  • Direct or coordinate production, processing, and distribution of the site.
  • Safely deliver products on time, in full with the highest quality at the lowest cost possible while providing a great place to work.
  • Develop and implement operational methods and procedures to improve efficiency and product quality, adhering to established guidelines.
  • Review production schedules to make decisions concerning staffing requirements, job assignments while considering budgetary limitations and time constraints.
  • Develop, maintain and ensure compliance with leader standard work programs (5S, instruction sheets, etc)
  • Develop, implement or interact with production tracking or quality control systems, analyzing production, quality control, maintenance, or other operational reports, to detect production problems.
  • Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations at the federal, state, and local levels for the protection of all employees.
  • Assist in the completion of performance plans and reviews for employees and is active in employee development process.  Ensure expectations are clearly communicated and employees are held accountable for behaviors and results. 
  • Develop budgets or approve expenditures for supplies, materials, or human resources, ensuring that materials, labor, or equipment are used efficiently to meet production targets.
  • Initiate or coordinate inventory or cost control programs.
  • Maintain a well-organized, compliant area of responsibility in line with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) policies and legal requirements.
  • Maintain a safety-first approach in project development and execution, supporting Process Safety programs, participating in compliance audits, and conducting hazard and risk assessments.
  • Set measurable EHS objectives, including employee training programs, as part of continuous improvement efforts, and ensure compliance with applicable policies and regulations.

Preferred Skills

Minimum Requirements:

  • BS/BA Degree (engineering or technical degree preferred) and
  • At least 5 years of prior experience in the chemical or coatings industry,
  • At least 3 years of management experience in manufacturing environment and multiple shifts, budgetary responsibilities of >$1 million and capital projects over $500K.
  • At least 5 years of experience with MS-Office and ERP system. Proficient with KPI reporting, cost analysis and presentations.
  • At least 1 year of experience in project management 
  • Experience with ASQ ISO 90001 and ISO 14001 is a plus. 
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the following competencies:

Innovation – Leveraging possibility thinking in creating new value for customers

Accountability – Delivering excellence through personal motivation and engagement

Performance Excellence – Elevating the performance bar and delivering on commitments with high quality solutions

Change and Risk Taking – Working toward our future, altering the course as needed and balancing risks and rewards in making decisions

Customer Focus – Understanding customer needs and delivering superior solutions with passion

Teamwork – Encouraging collaboration, trust and cooperation among and within work groups
 

Physical Environment:

Physical activities require continuous hearing; frequent talking, sitting, and repetitive motions of hands/wrists; and occasional standing, and walking. Position may carry and lift materials weighing up to 50 lbs. While performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to stand.

  • The employee is frequently required to walk, climb stairs, use hands to remove or lift boxes, stretch and reach with arms extended, and stoop. 
  • The employee must, regularly, lift and / or move up to 50 pounds, alone, and occasionally lift and or move more than 100 pounds, with assistance. 
  • Position requires continuous visual demand 75% - 100% of the time.
     

 

Perks & Benefits

Perks & Benefits

· 401k with Generous Company Match

· Bonuses

· Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits

· Paid Parental Leave

· Life Insurance

· Disability Insurance

· Paid time off, paid holidays

· Floating holidays + Paid Volunteer Time

· Wellness/Fitness Reimbursements

· Education Assistance

· Professional Development Opportunities

· Employee Referral Program & More!

Sika fosters a culture of entrepreneurship, empowering each individual to make decisions, learn from experiences, and shape their own career path. The safety and well-being of employees are top priorities at Sika, with a strong commitment to open communication

and maintaining a safe workplace. In addition, Sika actively contributes to the community and promotes sustainability by giving back, minimizing environmental impact, and embracing social responsibility.

Sika Corporation is committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals that apply. As an equal opportunity employer Sika will consider all qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected characteristics.

About Sika

With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of systems and products for commercial and residential construction, as well as the transportation, marine, automotive, and renewable energy manufacturing industries.

Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world and, in over 400 factories, produces innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in the transformation of the construction and transportation sector toward greater environmental compatibility. With more than 34,000 employees, the company generated sales of CHF 11.76 billion in 2024.