Chemical Plant Site Manager in Newton Aycliffe, North East

Our client, a large chemical manufacturing company, is seeking a Site Manager for their plant in Newton Aycliffe. Reporting to the Vice Principal of Operations, the role will involve the following:

• Responsible for developing the site's medium-/long-term direction.
• Ensure health, safety and welfare of all legal employees of the site.
• Compliance with all external and internal HSEQ requirements.
• Effective employee relationships.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the plant to ensure smooth, efficient, and safe production.
• Ensure the site meets all health, safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including managing emergency response procedures.
• Develop, manage, and control the site budget, P&L, and operational costs.
• Lead, train, and manage the site team of production, engineering, finance, technical and administration staff, including hiring, performance management, and developing training plans.
• Analyze data to reduce inefficiencies and waste, and implement new technologies and automation to improve operations and yield.
• Coordinate plant maintenance, manage vendor performance, and oversee site inventory and raw material deliveries.
• Liaise with senior management, commercial teams, and other support functions to ensure alignment with business priorities.

Your Profile:

• A degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, or a related field is ideally required.
• Significant experience in a chemical plant management role or a similar leadership position is essential.
• Experience in a COMAH site is often a plus.
• Strong leadership, decision-making, and influencing skills are critical for managing a team and driving results.
• Strong knowledge of safety, quality, and environmental regulations is mandatory.
• Experience in leading root cause analysis is also valuable.
• Excellent communication skills are necessary for internal reporting and external coordination with suppliers and customers.
• The ability to understand P&L reports and manage budgets is essential.
• A flexible and results-oriented attitude, with the ability to work outside standard hours when necessary to support a 24/7 operation.
• Min. 5 years of professional experience - ideally in a chemical manufacturing company.
• Working knowledge of ISO standards - ISO 9001, 14001, 45001 and 50001.
• Independent, responsible and structured way of working.
• Very good analytical and judgemental skills.

Benefits:

• Attractive Salary and Pension Package.
• Bonus scheme in place.
• 25 days annual leave entitlement per calendar year plus bank holidays.
• Varied and responsible work in a future-oriented and expanding company.
• Flat hierarchies with short decision paths.
• Company health scheme.
• Thorough induction along with opportunities for professional and personal development.
• Having locations all over Europe, they offer an international work environment with the chance to develop yourself and your career.

You will fit into the team where you will bring a strong hands-on attitude, the ability to work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds and the drive and determination to improve things.