Shannon Cler
West Sacramento,CA
Summary
Results-driven Plant Operations Leader with 10+ years of experience managing multi-location chemical operations, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering strategic business outcomes. Proven track record in cultivating a zero-incident safety culture, optimizing plant performance, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving cost-efficient process improvements. Skilled in team development, budget management, and capital project execution while maintaining high standards for quality, delivery, and operational excellence.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
Work History
Facilities Manager & EH&S Representative
Origin Materials
West Sacramento, CA
06.2012 - Current
Previous roles: Pilot Operations Manager, Maintenance Coordinator, Chemical Operations Shift/Team Lead, Chemical Process Lead
- Managed all regulatory compliance activities, including OSHA, CUPA, YSAQMD, DTSC, and Fire Safety inspections, consistently maintaining a zero-incident safety record.
- Oversaw all aspects of pilot and chemical production operations, ensuring efficient, on-time, and budget-compliant project delivery.
- Implemented process improvements that optimized throughput, streamlined production, reduced costs, and minimized waste.
- Lead two operations teams across California and Ontario (6-8 employees each), providing structured talent development, mentoring, and succession planning.
- Prepared and executed annual budgets and strategic plans, aligning operational objectives with corporate goals while monitoring performance metrics.
- Directed facility maintenance and capital upgrades, enhancing equipment reliability, reducing downtime, and improving operational readiness.
- Partnered with R&D, Quality, and Production teams to support new product scale-up and process modifications, ensuring quality and cost targets were met.
- Responded quickly to operational crises, applying critical thinking to implement corrective actions, minimize production impact, and maintain continuity of supply.
- Provided data-driven insights and reports to senior leadership, strengthening stakeholder engagement and improving operational decision-making.
Primary/Secondary Science Teacher
St. Ignatius Parish
Sacramento, CA
08.2008 - 06.2012
- Taught 4th-8th grade Science with curriculum focused on life, earth, and physical sciences.
- Honed teaching techniques to apply strategies to accommodate varied learning styles.
- Fostered leadership and mentoring skills through coaching 7th-8th grade girls flag football team.
- Active leader in yearly field trips to Sly Park and Marin Headlands.
Foundry Floor Operator
Grede Foundries
New Castle, IN
06.2007 - 07.2008
- Machine operator generating epoxy hardened sand casts.
- Growth in mechanical aptitude and experience in labor industry.
- Adaptability and perseverance to work long hours in undesirable work conditions.
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Wildlife Biology
Ball State University
06-2024
Skills
- Plant Operations & Manufacturing Oversight
- Safety Leadership & EH&S Compliance
- Regulatory Inspections & Audit Preparation
- Talent Management & Leadership Development
- Budgeting & Resource Optimization
- Process Improvement & Continuous Improvement
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Capital Expenditure & Project Management
- Data-Driven Decision Making & Reporting
Accomplishments
- Zero-Incident Safety Leadership, Directed all plant operations and regulatory compliance, achieving a decade of zero OSHA recordable incidents across multi-location chemical operations.
- Plant Operations Oversight, Managed pilot and chemical production operations, ensuring projects were delivered on-time, within budget, and aligned with strategic objectives.
- Process Improvement & Cost Optimization, Implemented operational enhancements that improved efficiency, streamlined production processes, and minimized waste.
- Team Leadership & Talent Development, Built, coached, and mentored high-performing operations teams across California and Ontario, fostering leadership growth and professional development.
- Budgeting & Capital Project Execution, Developed and managed multi-million-dollar budgets, executed facility maintenance and capital upgrades, improving equipment reliability and reducing downtime.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration, Partnered with R&D, Quality, and Production teams to support new product scale-up, process modifications, and quality initiatives, enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Crisis Management & Operational Continuity, Rapidly addressed operational issues, applying critical thinking to maintain uninterrupted production and minimize impact on supply.
- Data-Driven Reporting, Provided actionable operational insights to senior leadership, supporting strategic decision-making and strengthening stakeholder relationships.
References
Available upon request
Certification
40-hour HAZOPER
Timeline
Facilities Manager & EH&S Representative
Origin Materials
06.2012 - Current
Primary/Secondary Science Teacher
St. Ignatius Parish
08.2008 - 06.2012
Foundry Floor Operator
Grede Foundries
06.2007 - 07.2008
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Wildlife Biology
Ball State University