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Chemical Recruiting

As a premier boutique supply chain recruiting firm, Optimum Supply Chain Recruiters is a trusted partner for companies in the plastics and broader chemical industry. We connect organizations with a broad range of top talent in: Procurement, Production, EH&S, Engineering, Logistics, and Operations. Backed by a strong network of industry professionals and candidates, we fill roles across multiple levels and sub functions of the chemical supply chain.

Fill out the form to the right and we will have you interviewing within 10-days!

Nationwide Recruiters for the Chemical Manufacturing Industry

Our top priority is identifying and placing the right candidate for your chemical manufacturing operation. With over 30 years of experience in supply chain recruitment, we have built a strong track record of successful placements in chemical manufacturing. We leverage an expansive, pre-qualified talent network and targeted sourcing methods to help you fill critical roles quickly and effectively. We are committed to understanding our clients’ unique needs and tailoring our approach to ensure the best fit for each organization.

We specialize in providing a bespoke approach to talent acquisition, using our in-depth understanding of the chemical industry to access a diverse candidate pool. Our chemical recruiters identify both active job seekers and passive candidates—those who aren’t applying to job boards or responding to standard agency outreach. We approach these professionals directly and discreetly, utilizing a thorough recruitment process backed by our extensive industry experience to identify and present qualified candidates who match your specific requirements.

To meet a wide variety of hiring needs, Optimum Supply Chain Recruiters offers three flexible service options:

  • Contingency Recruiting – Ideal for entry-level and non-management positions. Includes a 90-day placement guarantee.
  • Dedicated Engagement – Designed for mid- and senior-level management roles. Comes with a 120-day guarantee.
  • Retained Search – Best suited for Director, VP, and C-suite searches. Includes a six-month placement guarantee.

Manufacturing Positions We Fill Within The Chemical Industry

Optimum Supply Chain Recruiters offers executive search services for executive-level positions and leadership teams within the chemical manufacturing sector. We place skilled professionals across all areas, from plant operations and EH&S to supply chain and engineering leadership, including key leader roles and other executive positions. Our expertise ensures we identify and deliver top candidates for each position, helping organizations build high-performing teams that drive success and bottom-line results.

Plant & Production Management:

  • Plant Manager
  • Production Manager
  • Shift Supervisor
  • Operations Manager
  • Continuous Improvement Manager

Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S):

  • EH&S Manager
  • Process Safety Manager
  • Regulatory Compliance Manager
  • Industrial Hygienist
  • Environmental Engineer

Engineering, Maintenance & Technical Services:

  • Maintenance Manager
  • Facilities Manager
  • Chemical Process Engineer
  • Controls Engineer
  • Reliability Engineer

Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistics:

  • Procurement Manager
  • Raw Materials Buyer
  • Inventory Manager
  • Warehouse Manager
  • Logistics Manager
  • Production Planner

Director & Executive-Level Roles:

  • Director of Manufacturing
  • Director of EH&S
  • Director of Operations
  • Director of Engineering
  • Director of Supply Chain
  • Vice President of Manufacturing
  • Vice President of Operations
  • Vice President of Safety & Compliance
  • Senior Vice President
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Hire Top Talent   800-300-7609

Why Chemical Manufacturing Recruitment Requires Specialized Expertise

Hiring in the chemicals and plastics sector presents unique challenges that demand recruiters with industry-specific knowledge. Specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of the industry are essential to deliver a true competitive advantage.

From stringent safety regulations to highly technical production processes, companies in this field require professionals who combine operational leadership with deep regulatory, environmental, and process engineering expertise. Understanding different markets within the chemical industry is also crucial for effective recruitment, as each market presents its own set of challenges and opportunities.

Partnering with a specialized company like Optimum helps organizations stay ahead of industry challenges, adapt to market shifts, and drive growth by securing top talent and leveraging industry expertise.

Here’s why working with an experienced chemical manufacturing recruiting partner like Optimum makes all the difference:

1. Complex Regulatory and Safety Requirements

Chemical manufacturers operate under strict oversight from agencies like OSHA, EPA, DOT, and FDA. Testing is a critical component of regulatory compliance and safety management in chemical manufacturing. Talent must understand PSM (Process Safety Management), REACH, HazCom, and more. Finding candidates with hands-on experience in regulated environments is essential—and rare.

2. Technical Production Environments

Whether producing specialty chemicals, polymers, petrochemicals, plastics, or coatings, each facility requires unique expertise in chemical processes, reactor operations, batch production, and hazardous material handling. Experience in one type of plant doesn’t always transfer directly—our recruiters know the difference.

3. Cross-Disciplinary Skills and Certifications

Ideal candidates in this space often need a blend of chemical engineering knowledge, EH&S compliance, lean manufacturing, and project management skills. Many also require certifications such as Six Sigma, Lean, or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) credentials.

4. Talent Shortages in Critical Roles

Skilled chemical engineers, maintenance leaders, and EH&S professionals are in high demand and short supply. Identifying professionals who are both technically proficient and hold strong people skills takes proactive, strategic recruiting—not just job posting. The challenge is even greater when it comes to identifying and attracting top-tier candidates for critical roles.

5. Strategic Supply Chain Demands

The chemical supply chain involves hazmat transport, bulk material sourcing, and precise inventory control. Candidates must understand complex procurement cycles, raw material cost fluctuations, and strict vendor qualification processes.

Why Choose Optimum as Your Chemical Recruitment Partner

Our chemical manufacturing recruitment solutions stand apart due to our proven results in the industry, our commitment to long-term success for our clients, and our ability to support businesses in the chemicals industry.

We deliver talent through key corporate services, including specialized recruitment processes and strategic consulting, to meet the personal needs of companies. Our expertise extends to supporting research and development roles, ensuring that innovation remains at the forefront for our clients. We are able to source exceptional employees for chemical manufacturers because of our:

True Partnership Approach

We take the time to understand your company’s operational structure, regulatory environment, and safety culture by working closely with you and using a hands-on approach to recruitment—ensuring candidates align with your strategic goals and long-term objectives.

Extensive Candidate Network

Our recruiters maintain a wide-reaching database and an extensive network of professionals with experience in chemical processing, industrial maintenance, safety compliance, and engineering.

Deep Industry Specialization

With a focus on supply chain and manufacturing disciplines, our recruiters understand the nuances of the chemical industry—from plant operations to EH&S leadership—and know how to evaluate technical fit, process knowledge, and leadership potential. For example, SCM Talent Group is recognized as a specialized recruiting partner in the chemical sector, providing industry-specific expertise in sourcing supply chain talent.

Results-Driven Methodology

  • 70% fill rate for contingency recruiting
  • 98% fill rate for dedicated engagements
  • Typical turnaround: qualified candidate shortlist within 7–10 business days
    We are highly efficient in scheduling interviews and driving the hiring process forward to ensure timely, high-quality placements.

Dedicated Search Team

Every search includes a managing partner, recruiter, and research analyst—ensuring precision, speed, and personalized service for client companies and candidates alike.

Our Chemical Manufacturing Recruitment Services

Contingency Recruiting

  • Standard fee
  • 90 day guarantee
  • Search handled by a Senior Recruiter
  • Industry average contingency fill rate is just above 25%. OSCR contingency fill rate is over 70%.
  • Standard fee
  • 90 day guarantee
  • Search handled by a Senior Recruiter
  • Industry average contingency fill rate is just above 25%. OSCR contingency fill rate is over 70%.

Fill a Position

Dedicated Engagement

  • Discounted fee
  • 120 day guarantee
  • Management and Senior Management Positions
  • We will produce vetted candidates in 7-10 days
  • 85% of our clients utilize this level of service
  • Discounted fee
  • 120 day guarantee
  • Management and Senior Management Positions
  • We will produce vetted candidates in 7-10 days
  • 85% of our clients utilize this level of service
  • 98% fill rate* (*5 year period)
  • Reasonable engagement fees (deducted from final fee)
  • Team includes Research Analyst and dedicated Senior Recruiter
  • Optimum’s 6 Step Process
    • In-depth Intake Call
    • Candidate Sourcing
    • Candidate Screening
    • Competency Evaluation
    • Candidate Presentation
    • Client Interviews

Fill a Position

Retained Search

  • Discounted fee
  • 6 month guarantee
  • 100% fill rate* (*5 year period)
  • We will produce vetted candidates in 7-10 days
  • Director, VP and C Suite Searches
  • Discounted fee
  • 6 month guarantee
  • 100% fill rate* (*5 year period)
  • We will produce vetted candidates in 7-10 days
  • Director, VP and C Suite Searches
  • Retained engagement fees will not exceed $10K (and deducted from final fee)
  • Team includes Research Analyst, dedicated Senior Recruiter and a Managing Partner
  • Optimum’s expanded 10 Step Process
    • In-depth Intake Call
    • Needs Analysis
    • Market Research
    • Candidate Sourcing
    • Candidate Screening
    • Competency Evaluation
    • Candidate Presentation
    • Client Interviews
    • Reference Checks
    • Offer Negotiation

Fill a Position

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Find the Right Chemical Manufacturing Talent With Optimum

Whether you’re seeking a Plant Manager to lead production or a Director of EH&S to ensure compliance and safety, Optimum Supply Chain Recruiters is ready to help.

With a strong history in the chemical manufacturing sector, a proven process, and guaranteed placements, we’re the recruitment partner of choice for chemical manufacturers across the U.S. Our team understands the demands of regulated manufacturing environments and consistently delivers candidates who are qualified, reliable, and ready to lead.

Hire Top Talent   800-300-7609

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