Ascensus Specialties
Plant Lead - UK
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Plant Lead - UK
Application Deadline: 30 November 2026
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Stradishall (CAM)
Reporting To: Site Director
Description
Wychem, an Ascensus Specialties Company, is seeking a high-impact operational leader to join our team. Reporting directly to the Site Director, this pivotal role serves as a core anchor for site operations—driving performance, compliance, and continuous improvement across production, quality control, EHS (Environmental, Health & Safety), and site management processes.
If you thrive in a high-standards specialty chemical environment and want a direct line of impact on site success, this position offers an exceptional opportunity to shape key operational processes.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Oversight & Production Execution
- Supervise Daily Plant Operations: Lead and coordinate chemical manufacturing activities to meet site production schedules, deadlines, and operational priorities.
- Monitor Process Parameters: Track chemical reactions, plant equipment performance, reaction vessels, filters, dryers, and overall operating conditions to ensure quality and output standards.
- Hands-On Operation: Safely operate process equipment and batch production systems as needed to support site continuity and target output.
- Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify workflow efficiencies and manufacturing enhancements to drive Wychem’s "Right First Time" operational culture.
EHS, Compliance & Environmental Stewardship
- Enforce Safety & Environmental Standards: Champion site compliance with company procedures, risk assessments, permits, and safe working practices to protect personnel, plant, and equipment.
- Proactive Hazard Mitigation: Prevent incidents, near misses, and chemical spills through vigilant site oversight, strict adherence to handling requirements, and daily compliance checks.
- Hazardous Chemical Management: Oversee the safe storage, transfer, handling, and disposal of raw materials and chemical reagents in alignment with regulatory guidelines.
- Auditing & Incident Investigation: Lead or support root-cause investigations into process deviations, quality issues, or EHS incidents; participate in internal and external site audits.
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Team Leadership, Communication & Training
- People Management: Direct, motivate, and mentor plant operators and production personnel to ensure strong team engagement and performance.
- Training & Competency: Coach and assess operators on standard operating procedures (SOPs), equipment usage, and safety protocols.
- Daily Briefings: Conduct shift handovers, toolbox talks, and operational alignment meetings to keep teams informed and safety-focused.
Quality Control, Documentation & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Batch Documentation: Maintain meticulous, complete, and accurate production logs, batch records, and operational documentation.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Partner closely with Quality Control, Engineering, Maintenance, Warehouse, R&D, and HSE teams to resolve operational bottlenecks promptly.
- Problem-Solving & Leadership Engagement: Collaborate with senior leadership and site personnel to address operational challenges with a constructive, solution-oriented approach.
General Operational Support
- Housekeeping Standards: Maintain strict workplace housekeeping standards and high operational hygiene across the facility.
- Operational Flexibility: Adapt to evolving site needs by performing additional operational tasks or flexible hours as reasonably requested by line management.
- Other Duties as assigned by the Site Director.
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Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Minimum Qualifications
- Education & Experience: HNC in Chemistry (or related field) OR 3–5 years in chemical/industrial manufacturing.
- Technical & EHS Knowledge: Strong grasp of chemical processes, plant SOPs, equipment, and safe working protocols in hazardous/explosive atmospheres (ATEX/DSEAR).
- Skills: Fluent written/spoken English and proficiency in MS Office 365.
Preferred Qualifications
- Education: BSc or higher in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
- Experience: 3+ years in fine chemical, API, or pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Physical & Working Environment
- Demands & Lifting: Plant-based role requiring standing, walking, reaching, stooping, operating computers, and lifting up to 25 kg.
- Safety & PPE: Mandatory PPE and adherence to hazardous chemical handling protocols; exposure to plant machinery, sharp tools, and moderate-to-high noise.
Additional Terms & Requirements
- Location & Hours: Full-time, strictly on-site in Stradishall (near Cambridge/Newmarket), UK. Must be flexible for shift work or additional hours as needed.
- Eligibility & Discretion: Valid UK Right to Work required (no visa sponsorship). High standards of site cleanliness, confidentiality, and self-motivation.
Benefits
- Competitive salary based on experience
- 40-hour work week (days)
- 25 days holiday
- Pension Contribution
- Collaborative culture
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