Kemira is a global leader in sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive industries. For more than 100 years, our chemistry has advanced human progress and quality of life. At Kemira, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to thrive and make a difference.
We are now looking for a proactive and results-driven Plant Manager with strong leadership, technical, and organisational skills to join the team at our Ellesmere Port site, working Monday to Friday. In this senior role, you will oversee all aspects of production, engineering, maintenance, safety, health, environment, and quality, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient operations.
Your success in this role will depend on your ability to lead continuous improvement initiatives, manage resources effectively, and ensure the site meets current and future safety, regulatory, environmental, quality, and productivity targets. The Ellesmere Port site operates under strict SHE and quality standards, including ISO certifications, and you will be expected to uphold and enhance these standards.
In this role you will be responsible for:
1. Ensuring full compliance with Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) policies, including liaison with the Health and Safety Executive and Environmental Agency, and maintaining ISO 14001, 18001, and 9001 certifications.
2. Managing all production processes to meet output targets safely and economically, aligning resources with customer demand and ensuring plant uptime is maximised.
3. Leading and developing the site operations team, including performance management, training, and promoting a high-performance, safety-first culture.
4. Overseeing engineering and maintenance activities, including implementation of Planned Preventative Maintenance Programs, emergency response, and permit-to-work systems.
5. Driving continuous improvement initiatives, managing site projects, and ensuring downtime is effectively used for planned maintenance and upgrades.
6. Monitoring and improving site performance using KPIs across safety, cost, quality, and delivery, and ensuring timely communication with stakeholders.
7. Maintaining compliance with the Environmental IPPC License and ensuring all operations are risk-assessed with corrective action plans in place.
8. Promoting and enforcing Kemira’s Code of Conduct, ensuring all staff are fit for duty, SHE-aware, and actively engaged in hazard identification and resolution.
9. Managing contractors and external parties, ensuring all documentation, safety standards, and site access requirements are met.
10. Leading quality assurance efforts, maintaining product and process standards, resolving quality issues, and liaising with customers, sales, and suppliers as needed.
What you’ll bring to the team:
11. A Degree in Chemistry/Chemical Engineering or equivalent or senior manufacturing experience gained within Chemical or Process Industries
12. A NEBOSH Certificate or equivalent safety qualification.
13. Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate, influence, and develop others in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
14. A solid understanding of financial systems and cost control, with the ability to contribute to site profitability.
15. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to collaborate effectively with internal teams, contractors, and external stakeholders.
16. A proactive and adaptable mindset, with the ability to manage complex operations and respond effectively to challenges.
17. Experience in managing performance, budgets, and operational processes, with a focus on continuous improvement.
18. A commitment to maintaining and enhancing SHE and quality standards across all areas of site operations.
19. Confidence in decision-making and problem-solving, with a focus on operational excellence and safety.
What you can expect from us:
20. A competitive salary and benefits package including a company car, discretionary bonus, and attractive pension scheme.
21. Excellent opportunity to be part of Kemira’s sustainability transformation for profitable growth.
22. Challenging, interesting and varying tasks with training and development within the role allowing you to develop your expertise and grow professionally.
23. An opportunity to work in a diverse, inclusive, and international setting, and engage with teams and stakeholders across different regions and cultures.
Ready to create better every day? Join Kemira!