Plant Lead

Final date to receive applications: 30 November 2026

Department:
Operations

Employment Type:

Full Time

Location:

Stradishall (CAM)

Reporting To:
Site Director

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 & Experience:
  
  HNC in Chemistry (or related field) OR 3–5 years in chemical/industrial manufacturing.
• Technical & EHS Knowledge:
  Strong…