Senior Production Operator

We are seeking a proactive, hands-on Senior Production Operator to actively contribute to day-to-day operations while leading and supporting the Production HPR Team.

This role is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of production processes from raw material input through to finished product.

The successful candidate will maintain high standards of operational performance, health and safety, and product quality, while coordinating production activities, supporting team members, monitoring process performance, and ensuring that all procedures, records, and work orders are completed accurately and in line with company requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support the Production HPR Team while actively participating in day-to-day operations and supporting other areas as required, including Emulsions, Dispersions, and Milling.
• Ensure production activities are carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Prioritise and allocate tasks effectively to the team in agreement with the Chargehand/Manager.
• Operate production machinery and ancillary equipment across all stages of the process, from raw material input to finished product.
• Maintain high standards of product quality and ensure compliance with quality control procedures.
• Monitor performance throughout the process, troubleshoot issues, and report defects promptly to minimise downtime.
• Monitor health and safety conditions and ensure operators follow H&S responsibilities and procedures.
• Check work orders for discrepancies, complete the required orders, and pass them to the relevant department or area.
• Work closely with the R&D/Technical department to complete samples.
• Communicate with colleagues in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner.
• Ensure correct procedures are followed and understand the causes of potential problems.
• Maintain good housekeeping at all times.
• Act as a professional and positive ambassador for the business.
• Ensure the department operates effectively, accurately, and fairly at all times.
• Ensure all tasks and procedures associated with HPR are completed in a timely, productive, and cost-effective manner.
• Carry out other reasonable duties as required to meet the evolving needs of the business.

The Person:

• Ability to support and lead people, plant, and process activities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations.
• Ability to lead by example and work collaboratively across departments to achieve operational objectives.
• Previous experience operating manufacturing plant equipment, ideally within a chemical processing environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of HPR (High Pressure Reactor) operations is desirable, although full training will be provided.
• Strong awareness of Health, Safety, and Environmental requirements, with the confidence to challenge unsafe behaviours and promote a positive safety culture.
• Strong product quality awareness, with a clear understanding of the importance of meeting customer specifications and protecting product integrity.
• Good organisational awareness and an understanding of how individual and team performance contributes to wider business objectives.
• Ability to follow, monitor, and support compliance with procedures, work instructions, and audit requirements.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to support, coach, and influence colleagues.
• Ability to analyse problems, identify root causes, make sound decisions, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills, with the ability to accurately complete production and operational documentation.
• Computer literate, with experience using production, quality, or maintenance systems.

Personal Qualities:

• Able to motivate, guide, and support team members to achieve operational goals and maintain high performance standards.
• Clear, confident, and professional communicator when interacting with colleagues, managers, and other departments.
• Proactive and results-driven, with a focus on achieving operational and business objectives.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to promoting and maintaining health and safety standards at all times.
• Takes ownership and accountability for actions, decisions, and outcomes.
• Able to remain calm, focused, and effective when working under pressure or managing challenging situations.
• Encourages collaboration and fosters a positive, inclusive, and productive working environment.
• Demonstrates a high level of diligence, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Adaptable and flexible, with the ability to respond positively to changing priorities and operational demands.
• Displays a positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to learn, develop, and support continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Counterbalance forklift truck licence desirable.
• Proven experience in a chemical process desirable.
• First Aid and/or Fire Warden training desirable, or willingness to train.

Location: Halifax

Hours: Monday to Friday, 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Contract: 6-month FTC

Salary: £30,800.00 per annum

INDAC