The opportunity
This role is based in Yorkshire, Monday to Friday on a day shift.
This is not a “walk in and run an existing plant” role. You will be joining at a pivotal point to build the site operations team from scratch, shape the operating model.
You will play a hands-on leadership role through readiness, commissioning interface and early operations, setting the culture, standards and routines that will define how the plant performs for years to come.
The role
As Plant Manager you will be the senior on-site leader in Yorkshire, responsible for safe, reliable 24/7 operations. You will lead the operations team, work closely with the in-house Maintenance function for asset integrity, and coordinate OEMs and specialist contractors to deliver strong availability and performance.
You will act on behalf of the COMAH Duty Holder as the senior operational lead on site (Site Responsible Person), supported by a Head of SHEQ/COMAH (governance and assurance) and the wider Operations function.
What you will be doing (day-to-day)
* Build and lead the team: recruit, onboard and develop Shift Supervisors and Operators; establish ways of working, shift routines and a strong safety culture.
* Bring the plant into operations: support readiness and commissioning interface, help develop procedures and shape training, and ensure the site is ready for safe operation at handover.
* Run a high-performing site: drive KPIs (safety, availability, reliability, production and efficiency), lead daily/weekly performance routines and embed continuous improvement.
* Coordinate maintenance and reliability: set priorities with the Maintenance Lead/Manager, support outage planning, and ensure the right spares and contractor support are in place.
* Work with OEMs and partners: manage service partners and key OEMs under LTSAs, and maintain effective contractor control and site access standards.
* Keep the site compliant and audit-ready (with support): ensure the basics are consistently strong (safe systems of work, emergency preparedness, statutory inspections, permits/consents and required reporting).
* Be the calm leader in the moment: lead response to abnormal situations and incidents until relieved under the Emergency Response Plan, and ensure effective escalation and learning.
The support model
You will have specialist support in-house:
* Head of SHEQ/COMAH for governance, assurance, audit readiness and specialist compliance support.
* In-house Engineering & Maintenance function for planned and corrective maintenance delivery and asset integrity.
* Wider Operations function for resourcing, mobilisation and operational standards.
You retain overall site accountability, but you will not be expected to do everything alone.
What we are looking for
* Proven operational leadership in a high-hazard, energy or industrial environment (ideally 24/7).
* A hands-on leadership style: able to build teams, set standards and create operating plans.
* Comfortable working through commissioning/handover and into early operations.
* Strong process safety mindset and experience with robust control of hazardous activities (PTW/isolations, contractor control, emergency readiness).
* Good working knowledge of control systems (BPCS/DCS/SCADA) and operational troubleshooting.
* Able to work confidently with OEMs, specialist contractors and regulators/stakeholders when needed.
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