Lead Technician

Lead Technician

Location:

Darlington, Co Durham

Contract Type:
Permanent / Full Time

Closing Date:
May 29th, 2026

:
1654633

Wolviston Management Services are supporting a highly innovative organization within the chemical sector in the appointment of a Lead Technician.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a technically driven, COMAH-regulated environment, where safety, operational excellence and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything they do.

As Lead Technician, you will play a key role in supporting the safe, stable and efficient operation of a continuous process plant, acting as the senior technical point of contact on shift and driving performance across production activities.

Working closely with the Production Team Leader, you will take a hands‑on leadership role in overseeing plant operations, supporting team performance and ensuring full compliance with process safety and regulatory standards.

You will be responsible for:

• Supporting day‑to‑day production activities to ensure safe, efficient and compliant plant operation
• Acting as the senior technical authority on shift, leading troubleshooting and resolving process deviations
• Promoting a strong safety culture aligned to COMAH and site standards
• Preparing and issuing Permits to Work (PTW) and carrying out LOTO isolations
• Coaching and developing operators to drive team capability and performance
• Supporting the development and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Collaborating with engineering, maintenance and EHS teams to resolve operational challenges
• Leading Level 1 maintenance activities and fault finding across process equipment
• Conducting safety audits and supporting environmental and compliance activities
• Deputising for the Production Team Leader when required

• Ensure safe, compliant and efficient execution of all production activities
• Maintain strict adherence to PTW, LOTO and process safety systems
• Drive plant reliability, uptime and operational performance
• Lead proactive problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives
• Support business growth and the development of new operational areas

• Proven experience within chemical manufacturing or high‑hazard process industries
• Ideally 5+ years’ experience in a similar operational role
• Relevant Process Operations qualification (Level 2/3 or equivalent)
• Strong working knowledge of Permit to Work and LOTO systems
• Experience operating within a COMAH environment (desirable)
• Demonstrable leadership and team development capability
• Strong fault‑finding, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
• Excellent communication and organisational ability
• Flexible approach to working continental shift patterns

FLT licence is advantageous but not essential.

• Opportunity to join a forward‑thinking, growing organisation
• Work within a highly technical and safety‑led environment
• Play a key role in driving operational performance and improvement
• Genuine opportunity for development and progression

Apply Now