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. 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.

Minimum Qualifications

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

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.

Competitive salary based on experience 40-hour work week (days) 25 days holiday Pension Contribution Competitive salary Collaborative culture