Production Manager

Acorn by Synergie is currently recruiting for an experienced Production Manager for an exceptional new permanent opportunity on behalf of their client in Swansea.

The role is based at the Mond Nickel Refinery, owned and operated by Vale Europe. Celebrating an incredible 125 years of operations in 2027, the refinery is one of the world's leading nickel refining facilities and forms part of Vale Base Matals, one of the world's largest mining companies with operations across the UK, Europe, Asia and the USA.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Production Manager at a strategic level to join a globally recognised organisation, reporting directly to the UK head of operations.

Vale's Clydach Nickel Refinery is a critical part of Vale Base Metals' North Atlantic and Asia operations, producing around 40,000 tonnes of Class 1 nickel pellets and powders each year from feed supplied by Vale operations in Canada and Japan. Established in 1902, the refinery employs approximately 205 people, operates as an Upper Tier COMAH site, and is regulated under an environmental permit.

As demand grows for the materials needed to support decarbonisation, battery production and associated infrastructure, the nickel produced at Clydach will continue to play an important role in Vale Base Metals' contribution to the energy transition and other critical mineral markets.

The Role

The Production Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the Clydach Refinery production assets to achieve operational targets while upholding Vale's core value of "Life Matters Most". Reporting to the UK Operations Manager, the role is a key member of the Clydach Senior Leadership Team and has direct accountability for the Production department.

Given the refinery's Upper Tier COMAH status and the inherent risks associated with nickel refining, the role requires strong process safety leadership, robust operational discipline and effective management of occupational, environmental and process safety risks.

The Production Manager will lead their team such that operational routines, performance levels and workplace standards are established, systemised and continually improved. These practices must support the effective processing of feed materials, production of nickel products and reduction of risk to as low as reasonably practicable.

A key part of the role will be developing people and building capability across the Production department. The Production Manager will support role satisfaction and career development by creating clear expectations, strengthening competence, encouraging ownership, and identifying opportunities for individuals to grow within Vale.

The Production Manager will also act as an agent of managed change, constructively challenging the status quo and embedding the behaviours and accountability needed to sustain improved performance.

The role balances day-to-day operational delivery with a two-to-five-year strategic horizon, identifying opportunities and risks to be built into the refinery plan. This includes optimising resources, managing cost budgets effectively, improving safety, production and environmental performance, and identifying opportunities to maximise plant throughput and drive greater value.

The role will be a key interface with internal and external stakeholders including the Health, Safety and Environmental regulators, customers, third party suppliers and peers within Vale Base Metals.

Requirements

• Minimum of five years' experience managing teams and delivering performance through coaching, mentoring and development.
• Experience operating at a strategic level, ideally as part of a senior leadership team.
• Demonstrable experience working within a COMAH-regulated or major hazard environment.
• Strong understanding of process safety management and major hazard risk principles.
• Experience leading change and supporting operational transformation.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• Lead by example and engage confidently with employees at all levels.
• Build credibility through strong relationships, sound judgement and consistent decision-making.
• Demonstrate resilience when managing complex operational and regulatory challenges.
• Promote collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop teams and create an environment where people can perform at their best.

Qualifications / Skill set

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in a STEM related discipline, a leadership & management qualification, and a NEBOSH General Certificate in Safety Management or equivalent. In addition, the candidate will have senior leadership experience in a manufacturing or process industry environment. Experience of an Upper Tier COMAH site and strong process safety knowledge are essential; continuous improvement or lean manufacturing experience would be advantageous.

The role requires strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organisation, influence key stakeholders, and communicate clearly with teams, regulators, customers and external partners. The successful candidate should be able to translate complex operational and safety issues into clear messages that support alignment, decision-making and performance improvement.

Benefits include

• Full Family Private Health Cover
• 6 % employee,11% Employer Pension Contributions
• 35% Annual Bonus
• X2 Life Cover
• Optional Share Participation

Interested?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a globally recognised leader in nickel refining as a Production Manager within a major hazard industrial environment.

If you have the required qualifications, experience and skills, please apply with your up-to-date CV and a covering letter explaining why you are suitable for this position.

Inclusive Environment

Vale is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.

Acorn by Synergie acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment.