Plant Lead - UK

Ascensus Specialties

Responsibilities

Supervise Daily Plant Operations: Lead and coordinate chemical manufacturing activities to meet site production schedules, deadlines, and operational priorities.
Monitor Process Parameters: Track chemical reactions, plant equipment performance, reaction vessels, filters, dryers, and overall operating conditions to ensure quality and output standards.
Hands-On Operation: Safely operate process equipment and batch production systems as needed to support site continuity and target output.
Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify workflow efficiencies and manufacturing enhancements to drive Wychem’s "Right First Time" operational culture.

Enforce Safety & Environmental Standards: Champion site compliance with company procedures, risk assessments, permits, and safe working practices to protect personnel, plant, and equipment.
Proactive Hazard Mitigation: Prevent incidents, near misses, and chemical spills through vigilant site oversight, strict adherence to handling requirements, and daily compliance checks.
Hazardous Chemical Management: Oversee the safe storage, transfer, handling, and disposal of raw materials and chemical reagents in alignment with regulatory guidelines.
Auditing & Incident Investigation: Lead or support root-cause investigations into process deviations, quality issues, or EHS incidents; participate in internal and external site audits.

Training & Competency: Coach and assess operators on standard operating procedures (SOPs), equipment usage, and safety protocols.
Daily Briefings: Conduct shift handovers, toolbox talks, and operational alignment meetings to keep teams informed and safety-focused.

Batch Documentation: Maintain meticulous, complete, and accurate production logs, batch records, and operational documentation.
Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner closely with Quality Control, Engineering, Maintenance, Warehouse, R&D, and HSE teams to resolve operational bottlenecks promptly.
Problem-Solving & Leadership Engagement: Collaborate with senior leadership and site personnel to address operational challenges with a constructive, solution-oriented approach.

Housekeeping Standards: Maintain strict workplace housekeeping standards and high operational hygiene across the facility.
Operational Flexibility: Adapt to evolving site needs by performing additional operational tasks or flexible hours as reasonably requested by line management.
Other Duties as assigned by the Site Director.

Education: BSc or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
Experience: 3+ years in fine chemical, API, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Safety & PPE: Mandatory PPE and adherence to hazardous chemical handling protocols; exposure to plant machinery, sharp tools, and moderate-to-high noise.

People Management: Direct, motivate, and mentor plant operators and production personnel to ensure strong team engagement and performance.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Education & Experience: HNC in Chemistry (or related field) OR 3–5 years in chemical/industrial manufacturing.
Technical & EHS Knowledge: Strong grasp of chemical processes, plant SOPs, equipment, and safe working protocols in hazardous/explosive atmospheres (ATEX/DSEAR).
Skills: Fluent written/spoken English and proficiency in MS Office 365.

Demands & Lifting: Plant-based role requiring standing, walking, reaching, stooping, operating computers, and lifting up to 25 kg.

Location & Hours: Full-time, strictly on-site in Stradishall (near Cambridge/Newmarket), UK. Must be flexible for shift work or additional hours as needed.
Eligibility & Discretion: Valid UK Right to Work required (no visa sponsorship). High standards of site cleanliness, confidentiality, and self-motivation.