At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the safe and efficient operation of a major nickel refinery while developing your team.
- Company: Join Vale, a global leader in nickel refining with over 125 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy private health cover, generous pension contributions, and a substantial annual bonus.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy transition while advancing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Five years of leadership experience in a COMAH-regulated or major hazard environment.
Acorn by Synergie is currently recruiting for an experienced Production Manager for an exceptional new permanent opportunity on behalf of their client in Swansea. The role is based at the Mond Nickel Refinery, owned and operated by Vale Europe. Celebrating an incredible 125 years of operations in 2027, the refinery is one of the world's leading nickel refining facilities and forms part of Vale Base Metals, one of the world's largest mining companies with operations across the UK, Europe, Asia and the USA.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Production Manager at a strategic level to join a globally recognised organisation, reporting directly to the UK head of operations. Vale's Clydach Nickel Refinery is a critical part of Vale Base Metals' North Atlantic and Asia operations, producing around 40,000 tonnes of Class 1 nickel pellets and powders each year from feed supplied by Vale operations in Canada and Japan. Established in 1902, the refinery employs approximately 205 people, operates as an Upper Tier COMAH site, and is regulated under an environmental permit.
As demand grows for the materials needed to support decarbonisation, battery production and associated infrastructure, the nickel produced at Clydach will continue to play an important role in Vale Base Metals' contribution to the energy transition and other critical mineral markets.
The Role
The Production Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of the Clydach Refinery production assets to achieve operational targets while upholding Vale's core value of 'Life Matters Most'. Reporting to the UK Operations Manager, the role is a key member of the Clydach Senior Leadership Team and has direct accountability for the Production department. Given the refinery's Upper Tier COMAH status and the inherent risks associated with nickel refining, the role requires strong process safety leadership, robust operational discipline and effective management of occupational, environmental and process safety risks.
The Production Manager will lead their team such that operational routines, performance levels and workplace standards are established, systemised and continually improved. These practices must support the effective processing of feed materials, production of nickel products and reduction of risk to as low as reasonably practicable. A key part of the role will be developing people and building capability across the Production department. The Production Manager will support role satisfaction and career development by creating clear expectations, strengthening competence, encouraging ownership, and identifying opportunities for individuals to grow within Vale.
The Production Manager will also act as an agent of managed change, constructively challenging the status quo and embedding the behaviours and accountability needed to sustain improved performance. The role balances day-to-day operational delivery with a two-to-five-year strategic horizon, identifying opportunities and risks to be built into the refinery plan. This includes optimising resources, managing cost budgets effectively, improving safety, production and environmental performance, and identifying opportunities to maximise plant throughput and drive greater value. The role will be a key interface with internal and external stakeholders including the Health, Safety and Environmental regulators, customers, third party suppliers and peers within Vale Base Metals.
Requirements
- Minimum of five years' experience managing teams and delivering performance through coaching, mentoring and development.
- Experience operating at a strategic level, ideally as part of a senior leadership team.
- Demonstrable experience working within a COMAH-regulated or major hazard environment.
- Strong understanding of process safety management and major hazard risk principles.
- Experience leading change and supporting operational transformation.
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will:
- Lead by example and engage confidently with employees at all levels.
- Build credibility through strong relationships, sound judgement and consistent decision-making.
- Demonstrate resilience when managing complex operational and regulatory challenges.
- Promote collaboration, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Develop teams and create an environment where people can perform at their best.
Qualifications / Skill set
The ideal candidate will hold a degree in a STEM related discipline, a leadership & management qualification, and a NEBOSH General Certificate in Safety Management or equivalent. In addition, the candidate will have senior leadership experience in a manufacturing or process industry environment. Experience of an Upper Tier COMAH site and strong process safety knowledge are essential; continuous improvement or lean manufacturing experience would be advantageous.
The role requires strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across all levels of the organisation, influence key stakeholders, and communicate clearly with teams, regulators, customers and external partners. The successful candidate should be able to translate complex operational and safety issues into clear messages that support alignment, decision-making and performance improvement.
Benefits include
- Full Family Private Health Cover
- 6% employee, 11% Employer Pension Contributions
- 35% Annual Bonus
- X2 Life Cover
- Optional Share Participation
This is an excellent opportunity to join a globally recognised leader in nickel refining as a Production Manager within a major hazard industrial environment. If you have the required qualifications, experience and skills, please apply with your up-to-date CV and a covering letter explaining why you are suitable for this position.
Inclusive Environment
Vale is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, or age.
Production Manager employer: Acorn by Synergie
Acorn by Synergie is an excellent employer, offering a stable Monday to Friday role with no weekend working, making it ideal for those seeking work-life balance. Employees benefit from a comprehensive package including generous holiday allowance, private medical insurance, and ongoing wellbeing support, all within a supportive and safety-focused work culture that encourages professional growth and teamwork in the vibrant industrial setting of Newton Abbot.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Acorn by Synergie, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Acorn by Synergie specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn by Synergie
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Acorn by Synergie, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Acorn by Synergie value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
