Plant Lead - UK

Wychem, an Ascensus Specialties Company, is seeking a high-impact operational leader to join our team. Reporting directly to the Site Director, this pivotal role serves as a core anchor for site operations-driving performance, compliance, and continuous improvement across production, quality control, EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety), and site management processes.

If you thrive in a high-standards specialty chemical environment and want a direct line of impact on site success, this position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape key operational processes.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Oversight & Production Execution

• 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.

EHS, Compliance & Environmental Stewardship

• 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.

Team Leadership, Communication & Training

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

Quality Control, Documentation & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• 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.

General Operational Support

• 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.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: BSc or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• Experience: 3+ years in fine chemical, API, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Physical & Working Environment

• Demands & Lifting: Plant-based role requiring standing, walking, reaching, stooping, operating computers, and lifting up to 25 kg.
• Safety & PPE: Mandatory PPE and adherence to hazardous chemical handling protocols; exposure to plant machinery, sharp tools, and moderate-to-high noise.

Additional Terms & Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

40-hour work week (days)

25 days holiday

Pension Contribution

Competitive salary

Collaborative culture