Talent STEM is recruiting for a First Line Manager to join a well-established chemical manufacturing business in Bradford.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Process Operator, Lead Operator, Production Team Leader or Chemical Process Technician who has built a strong technical background within chemical manufacturing and is now ready to progress into formal operational management.
You do not necessarily need to have already held a First Line Manager title. The business is particularly interested in technically strong people who understand the realities of operating a chemical plant and have the credibility, communication skills and leadership potential to take the next step.
The Role
Working within a busy chemical manufacturing environment, you will take responsibility for the safe and effective day-to-day operation of your production area and the people working within it.
You will provide hands-on leadership to plant operators while working closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, SHE and wider Operations teams.
Responsibilities will include:
- Leading and supporting production operators on a day-to-day basis
- Ensuring plant activities are completed safely and in accordance with site procedures
- Maintaining strong standards of process safety, environmental compliance and operational discipline
- Allocating work and ensuring operators are trained, competent and authorised
- Supporting production plans and responding to operational or process issues
- Working closely with Engineering and Maintenance around plant reliability and planned work
- Supporting Permit-to-Work and plant isolation activities
- Ensuring appropriate preparation and handover of equipment for maintenance
- Supporting risk assessments, incident investigations and safety improvement activity
- Monitoring plant and team performance
- Coaching and developing operators
- Maintaining high standards of housekeeping and 5S
- Identifying opportunities to improve safety, reliability and productivity
About You
We are particularly interested in candidates with a strong background in chemical or process manufacturing.
You may currently be working as a:
- Senior Process Operator
- Senior Chemical Operator
- Lead Operator
- Process Technician
- Production Technician
- Chemical Process Operator
- Production Team Leader
- Shift Team Leader
Previous formal management experience would be beneficial, but it is not essential if you can demonstrate strong technical experience and the potential to progress into a First Line Manager position.
You will ideally bring experience of:
- Chemical or high-hazard process manufacturing
- Plant operations and process safety
- Permit-to-Work systems
- Plant isolations / safe systems of work
- SOPs and controlled operating procedures
- Working alongside Engineering and Maintenance teams
- Troubleshooting plant or production issues
- Training or mentoring less experienced operators
- Safety observations, risk assessments or incident investigations
- DCS / process control systems
- COMAH-regulated environments would be particularly advantageous
- A relevant technical qualification such as an NVQ Level 3, ONC, HNC, HND or equivalent industry experience would also be beneficial.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
The role offers the chance to move from a senior technical/operator position into formal production management, while remaining close to the plant and day-to-day operations.
Importantly, this is a Monday-to-Friday day role, making it particularly attractive to experienced shift workers who want to move away from nights and weekends without leaving chemical manufacturing.
The wider package includes benefits such as:
- Enhanced contributory pension
- Site performance bonus
- Health Cash Plan
- Employee share scheme
- Free on-site canteen
- Employee discounts
- Long-service benefits
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Career development and progression opportunities
If you are an experienced chemical/process operator who feels ready for the next step into leadership, we would be very interested in speaking with you.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
First Line Manager - Days in Bradford employer: Talent STEM Ltd
Join a leading manufacturing organisation in Manchester that values innovation and quality, offering a collaborative work culture where your expertise in colour matching will be highly regarded. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to ongoing training and growth opportunities, ensuring your skills are always at the forefront of the industry. Enjoy a supportive environment that prioritises work-life balance and fosters creativity, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Line Manager - Days in Bradford
✨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 Talent STEM Ltd, 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!
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 Talent STEM Ltd 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 Talent STEM Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Talent STEM Ltd, 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 Talent STEM Ltd 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.
