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.