Plant Manager – Monomer & Polymer

Overview

In this Site Operations Manager role, you lead two 24/7 manufacturing assets (Polymer and Monomer Plants) to deliver safe, compliant, and cost-efficient production. You act as a visible leader for SHEQ and continuous improvement, developing the operating teams and driving performance across safety, quality, and delivery. You’ll partner with site functions to align production plans with strategic priorities and innovation programs. This is a hands-on, impact-driven opportunity to shape operations at scale in a collaborative environment.

Pay / Benefits

• market-competitive salary
• career development and progression
• collaborative and inclusive culture
• 27 days of annual leave plus 8 bank holidays
• annual bonus scheme
• company pension scheme

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the site continuous production teams across two locations (Polymer Plant and Monomer Plant, incl. Boiler Plant)
• Direct management of SHEQ: develop safety standards, organise improvement programs, drive process safety systems, investigate incidents, manage Safe Systems of Work, update SOPs
• Drive quality improvements and a quality culture (near-miss reporting, RCA leadership, respond to customer concerns)
• Optimize delivery: prioritise and progress plant issues, manage production plan and downtime, implement plant improvements while maintaining availability, promote innovation programs
• Develop team capability through coaching, training and performance management; define roles and ensure competence and safe execution
• Coordinate with other site functions for business alignment and maintain knowledge exchange; foster continuous improvement mindset
• Deputise for the Site Operations Manager; engage in procurement recommendations and budget-aligned task scheduling
• Plan and implement a people development plan; drive cross-functional training and resource effectiveness
• Ensure ability to operate with independence and autonomy; maintain strong stakeholder management

Key requirements

• Strong background in 24/7 chemical plant operations
• Experience managing teams in a technical environment, including shift teams
• SHE leadership and understanding of relevant legislation and standards
• Knowledge of quality systems and standards (ISO 9001, GMP)
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to operate with independence and autonomy
• Strong communication and stakeholder management
• Experience handling high hazardous materials (e.g., Hydrogen Peroxide, Peracetic Acid)

• leadership
• communication
• stakeholder management
• SHEQ management
• Quality systems (ISO 9001, GMP)
• Safety and process safety systems

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