Engineering Manager - Chemical Manufacturing

As the largest pureplay adhesives company in the world, H.B. Fuller's (NYSE: FUL) innovative, functional coatings, adhesives and sealants enhance the quality, safety and performance of products people use every day. Founded in 1887, with 2024 revenue of $3.6 billion, our mission to Connect What Matters is brought to life by more than 7,500 global team members who collaborate with customers across more than 30 market segments in over 140 countries to develop highly specified solutions that enable customers to bring world-changing innovations to their end markets. Learn more at www.hbfuller.com.

The Engineering Manager - Chemical Manufacturing position reports to the Plant Manager has a direct responsibility for managing three Engineers to ensure safety, quality, people, delivery, and cost standards are met. The Engineering Manager will facilitate open dialogue with a wide variety of contributors and stakeholders, support & implement company policies, ensure coaching, development and team building of the site staff, and assuring performance goals are consistently achieved. The EngineeringManager will drive a zero-defect culture in safety, quality, and productivity.

This position is based in South Bend, Indiana and encompasses two separate sites at the location. This is a union, solvent-based adhesives manufacturing location covered by Process Safety Management requirements.

Primary Responsibilities

Process Improvement (70%)

• Drive operational efficiency and performance through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies.

• Identify, mentor, and develop high-potential process engineer employees to build future leadership and technical capabilities within the organization.

• Lead a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all engineering and operations functions. Align team goals with broader plant and company objectives.

• Manage a Team of three engineers in a collaborative, accountable environment

• Leverage automation, emerging technologies, and data-driven insights to optimize workflows and reduce waste.

• Implement cost-saving initiatives through innovative technologies and continuous improvement strategies.

• Lead change initiatives effectively by applying structured change management methodologies to support adoption and minimize resistance.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, and quality teams to implement solutions that improve production, reliability, and process efficiency.

Capex Execution (20%)

• Execute capital projects, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, and contractor management of $2-$4M in annual spend.

• Manage engineering projects from concept to deployment, ensuring timely, on-budget, and high-quality outcomes.

Other Duties (10%)

• Drive cost management expectations that support output required to meet the SIOP plan with the budgeted costs from the annual operating plan and CapEx projects.

• Handle departmental budgets and capital expenditures in alignment with operational objectives.

• Ensure alignment to product quality standards, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

• 7+ years of chemical industry manufacturing engineering experience including PSM

• 3+ years in a leadership or managerial role

• Proven success in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies

• Minimum of Six Sigma Green Belt certification

• Confirmed project management capabilities and experience driving cost-effective, scalable improvements

• Strong mechanical proficiency and root cause analysis skills

• Proficiency with engineering software such as AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office tools

• PLC experience

• SAP systems experience

• Change Management experience

• Working knowledge of Process Safety Management and Risk Management Programs

• Ability to carry and lift up to 50 lbs. and walk, climb stairs, use hands to remove or lift boxes, stretch, and reach with arms extended, and stoop.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering

• Professional Engineering licensure

• Knowledge Quality Management Systems including IATF, AS 9100, and ISO 9001

• Rockwell Controls (PLC) experience

• PMP certification or equivalent project management credential

• Developing and following yearly technical and business strategic plans and executing process improvement objectives aligned with those plans

• CMMS and advanced data analysis tools experience

This position is not eligible for work visa sponsorship. Applicants must have U.S. work authorization that does not now or in the future require H.B. Fuller sponsorship of a work visa to work for H.B. Fuller.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, and geographic location.

In addition to your salary, H.B. Fuller offers employees a competitive total rewards package including comprehensive benefits, incentive and recognitions programs, health & wellness benefits, 401K contributions, paid time off and paid holidays. Eligibility may vary.

H.B. Fuller is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and proud to have created a collaborative culture where employees around the world are seen, heard, and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or marital status or status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected classification.

H.B. Fuller does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or staffing firms. To conduct business with H.B. Fuller, a written service agreement must be executed by Human Resources prior to submitting any information relating to a potential candidate. Without a signed service agreement, H.B. Fuller shall not be obligated for payment of any fee or compensation.