As a Lead Operator, you’ll take on an enhanced operational role, supporting the Process Team Leader with the coordination of shift activities while remaining hands-on in plant operation. This is an excellent opportunity for someone already operating at a Lead Operator or Team Leader level, looking to take the next step in their leadership career within a high-hazard manufacturing environment. What you’ll be doing Alongside operating the plant safely and efficiently, you’ll support the coordination and prioritisation of shift activities, ensuring production plans are delivered effectively. You’ll optimise process conditions using analytical data and contribute to post-production reviews to drive performance improvements. You’ll play a key role in developing others, coaching and mentoring operators on shift and supporting continuous improvement activity across the plant. You’ll deputise for the Process Team Leader where required and take on leadership responsibility during their absence. The role also includes issuing permits to work and acting as Site Incident Controller (Emergency Response Management) in the event of a Major Accident Hazard. You will also act as stand-in Shift Team Leader when required. What we’re looking for You’ll bring strong operational experience within a process, chemical or hazardous manufacturing environment, with a proven track record of working safely and following defined procedures. We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate prior experience in a leadership capacity, such as acting as a Lead Operator, Deputy Team Leader or Team Leader, with the confidence to coordinate activities and support others on shift. You’ll be organised, proactive and comfortable taking the lead in a fast-paced operational environment. Strong communication skills are essential, alongside the ability to interpret and respond to process data. Basic mechanical awareness is also important. A forklift licence is desirable, or a willingness to train. Qualifications A minimum of 4 GCSEs (including Maths and English) or equivalent relevant industrial experience, ideally supported by a recognised apprenticeship or structured training programme. NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE. At present, we are not accepting any candidates via a recruitment agency or third party. About Victrex Victrex is an innovative world leader in high-performance PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) and PAEK (Poly Aryl Ether Ketone) polymer solutions focusing on the strategic markets of automotive, aerospace, energy and industrial, electronics and medical. Every day, millions of people use products and applications containing our materials – from smartphones, aeroplanes and cars to energy operations and medical devices. With over 40 years‘ experience, we are developing world leading solutions with PEEK and PAEK-based polymers and selected semi-finished and finished parts which enable environmental and societal benefit for our customers and our markets and drive value for our shareholders Vision and culture At Victrex, we have a clear purpose: to deliver transformational and sustainable solutions that address global material challenges. Our core values of passion, innovation, and performance are at the heart of everything we do. We are a company that thrives on human-centred leadership, valuing curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration in a fast-paced, digitally enabled world. We believe in empowering individuals, rather than seeing barriers to progress. We are looking for individuals who are comfortable working in an environment that values digital and AI-driven solutions, who see technology as an enabler rather than a challenge. At Victrex, we foster a culture of continuous learning, agility, and adaptability, where employees are encouraged to embrace new ways of working, leverage data-driven insights, and drive meaningful change. As we continue to evolve, we need people who are not just contributors but change accelerators … individuals who champion innovation, and drive transformation with a growth mindset. Whether through digitalisation, process improvement, or human-centred leadership, our employees play a crucial role in shaping the future of our business. Our leadership approach is built on empowerment, inclusion, and collaboration. We value people who lead with empathy and authenticity, fostering a workplace where diverse perspectives and ideas can thrive. We work hard to ensure that our teams are engaged, motivated, and equipped to navigate an ever-changing landscape. Sustainability is core to our strategy. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint while supporting society through our sustainable products and making a positive impact on our local communities. We are proud to be recognised as a ‘Disability Confident’ employer and to be voted as one of the best places to work by ‘The Sunday Times’ not just once, but for two years in succession! A testament to our people-first culture, where innovation and adaptability thrive in a digital-first, AI-driven workplace; we are proud to have once again retained this very prestigious award! As well as being recognised as one of the ‘Most Admired Companies in the Chemical Sector’ by The London Stock Exchange : Recognition of our commitment to excellence, transformation, and data-driven insights, empowering every team member to embrace change and drive success. We’re also delighted to be acknowledged as a top performer in the FTSE Women Leaders Review for Women in Leadership and Women on Boards! Victrex has been ranked joint 4th among UK-listed FTSE 250 companies, standing alongside much larger peers. Our aim is to provide the support of accessibility and community within Victrex for everyone. So, if you need any help, advice or just want a confidential chat regarding any Diversity, Equity or Inclusion matters even before you apply to Victrex, then here is what you need to know: The enabling support that Victrex prides itself on giving, starts from when anyone applies or wants to apply to join our team. We are always here to help provide any ‘reasonable adjustments’ you may need during your application process. So please contact us to discuss your specific requirements in more depth. We even have a dedicated email that anyone can use to reach out for help, advice, and a confidential chatwhatever you need to know, and to help ensure an equitable solution, that’s right for you, right from the start! That email is: enablerecruitment@victrex.com Victrex values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community.