Deputy Shift Leader in Edinburgh

The role of the (Vit C) Deputy Shift Leader is to ensure that production takes place according to the production schedule to achieve targets for output, yield, production cost, quality and waste disposal, within SHEQ requirements and in accordance with the product specifications by supporting the management of the operations team working within the production plants on a continuous 24-hour operation.

The job holder will contribute to the manufacturing plan regarding production improvements (SHEQ, projects, technology, yields, energy efficiency, work processes, headcount, costs, etc.) and form the basis of a portfolio of activities for the areas of responsibility. To ensure adherence to the specific procedures, guidelines and regulations with regard to quantity, quality, environment and safety.

The Dalry site produces vitamins for the food / pharma, feed and personal care markets. The requirements of customers in each sector can differ substantially. The products are under considerable cost pressure from competitors, and the marketing strategy is focusing on differentiation of products on the basis of Quality, Reliability, Traceability and Sustainability.

Production of Vitamin C is a complex, multi-step chemical process. The chemistry and technology for these processes are mature and well understood. As part of the program to reduce manufacturing costs and improve environmental and safety impact, the job holder will have to integrate improvements into the current operations.

The Deputy Shift Leader (Vit C) is required to support the management of the daily cycle associated with the running of a specified production plant and support infrastructure working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year on a 5-shift rotation of 12-hour shifts.

• Lead the manufacture of Vitamin C and chemical intermediates in line with production plans, budgets, and KPIs.
• Ensure performance against SHEQ, delivery, cost, yield, reliability, and quality standards.
• Act as Deputy Shift Leader, directing shift teams to ensure safe and effective operations.
• Take full accountability for process oversight, intervening in unresolved operational issues.
• Assume Shift Manager responsibilities during absences, training, or other requirements.
• Ensure plant operations comply with legislation, environmental regulations, and dsm-firmenich standards.
• Organize and manage shifts in accordance with best practice operational ranges.
• Manage raw material call-offs to meet production plans while minimizing inventory.
• Communicate customer and market requirements to operational teams and quality initiatives.
• Support workforce planning including holidays, training, shift cover, and overtime reduction.
• Authorize permits to work, DCS overrides, safety interlock defeats, and conduct risk assessments.
• Ensure effective shift handovers, reporting, coaching, and communication at shift changes.
• Support maintenance activities, plant availability, shutdown planning, and equipment reliability.
• Lead or support investigations into incidents, near misses, quality deviations, and HR matters.
• Ensure full compliance with GMP, food safety, pharmaceutical (ICH Q7), and quality standards.
• Support audit preparation, documentation control, validation activities, and dispatch inspections.
• Lead emergency response activities in the absence of the Shift Manager.
• Champion dsm-firmenich values, promote SHEQ excellence, and support continuous improvement and succession planning.

• A rich history and a promising future of bold scientific innovation and passionate creation with our customers.
• A space to grow by encouraging and supporting curiosity and an open mindset.
• A culture that prioritises safety and well-being, both physically and mentally.
• Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected – regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.
• The opportunity to work for a company where sustainability is much more than a claim and is core to our strategy and purpose.
• An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future.

• 5 years relevant industrial supervisory experience or City and Guilds Processing.
• Operations level 3 or degree in chemistry or engineering.
• Solid understanding and consistent application of SHE, Food Safety, Quality, and GMP standards.
• In depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks (COMAH, local laws, SHEQ, pharmaceutical and food safety regulations).
• Extensive experience in production environments, including hands on leadership of operational teams.
• Proven expertise in process operations (DCS and field), plant and equipment, and process control systems.
• Strong technical foundation in chemical properties, chemical plant operations, and process risk awareness.
• Effective problem solver using structured methodologies (Root Cause Analysis, A3, etc.).
• Experienced in contractor safety, hazardous substances, SIL, COSHH, IPPC, and manual handling assessments.
• Demonstrated capability in project management, major plant/site shutdowns, and operational activities.
• Comfortable using a wide range of manufacturing and business systems (DCS, SAP, PI Vision, OEE, Microsoft 4).
• Proven track record in organizational change, industrial relations, and people management.
• Strong leadership presence with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.