Operations Manager (Start-up)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to lead a newly commissioned chemical manufacturing facility focused on scaling innovative technologies from demonstration to commercial deployment.

This site plays a critical role in validating process performance, supporting future plant design and operation, and delivering product samples to customers.

As Operations Manager, you will take ownership of day-to-day site operations and have the autonomy to shape the operational culture, embedding the highest standards of safety, quality, compliance and continuous improvement.

Working within a dynamic and collaborative environment, you will lead a team of operations and technical personnel while partnering closely with engineering, commercial, quality and technical specialists across the wider organisation.

Key Responsibilities

* Lead by example, promoting and maintaining the highest standards of safety, sustainability and operational excellence.

* Manage the day-to-day operation of the facility, including production planning, raw material utilisation, utility consumption and waste treatment.

* Develop, coach and support operational teams to ensure production and customer requirements are achieved safely and efficiently.

* Create and implement resource and production plans to meet customer demand and process development objectives.

* Collaborate with Quality and Commercial teams to ensure products are delivered on time and to specification.

* Develop and improve operational procedures, standards and work processes to support safe and efficient manufacturing.

* Build strong working relationships with operations, engineering, technical and EHS teams.

* Support the introduction, commissioning and optimisation of new processes and technologies.

* Establish training programmes and competency frameworks for operators and technical staff.

* Develop deep operational knowledge to support future site expansion and commercial-scale deployment.

About You

You will be a hands-on leader with a passion for operational excellence, capable of thriving in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

Essential Requirements

* Proven experience managing operations within an industrial chemical manufacturing environment.

* Degree (or equivalent experience) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline.

* Strong understanding of industrial chemical processing technology, plant operations and control systems.

* Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams while driving high performance and operational standards.

* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

* Structured, analytical and collaborative approach to problem-solving.

* Comfortable working in a dynamic and rapidly growing organisation.

Desirable Experience

* Experience supporting chemical plant commissioning and scale-up activities.

* Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies and root cause analysis techniques.

* Experience working within pilot, demonstration or emerging technology environments.

What's on Offer

* Opportunity to play a key role in the development and scale-up of innovative chemical manufacturing technologies.

* High level of autonomy and influence within a growing operation.

* Collaborative, hands-on working environment with strong technical support.

* Competitive salary and benefits package.

* Long-term career development opportunities as the organisation expands
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed