Process Development Leader

Process Development Leader

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operational excellence initiatives and drive improvements across multiple manufacturing sites.
  • Company: Join a leading company in the packaging coatings industry with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on manufacturing processes and shape the future of operations.
  • Qualifications: Chemical engineering background with 5+ years in a leadership role in manufacturing.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for global engagement and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

This role is ideally based near one of the following packaging coatings sites in France, Germany, or the UK (Tournus, Nantes, Norderstedt and Deeside). This newly created role will put you at the forefront of high‑impact operational excellence initiatives across our packaging coatings sites. You will bring strong technical expertise to manufacturing operations, drive major improvements in plant performance, and contribute to initiatives that span from mid‑scale challenges to large, cross‑site projects. As a Process Development Leader, you will play a key role in shaping complex, multi‑site operations and delivering meaningful, measurable results.

Responsibilities

  • Lead large‑scale operational excellence and manufacturing strategies across multiple plants, driving improvements in production, maintenance, warehousing, safety, quality, and other critical operational programs.
  • Analyze and optimize performance to enhance cost efficiency, safety, quality, throughput, and cycle times.
  • Collaborate globally with Technical, Sales, and Operations to define product and equipment requirements for new product launches.
  • Champion global standardization by identifying best practices and ensuring their implementation across sites.
  • Conduct complex analyses to uncover process improvement opportunities and prioritize high‑impact initiatives.
  • Develop strategic project plans—including process design, engineering scope, and execution frameworks—and serve as a global liaison to executive leadership on manufacturing and operational strategies.
  • Play a key role in new product introductions (NFI), Gatekeeper reviews, and MOC processes involving formula, process, and equipment changes.
  • Partner with Supply Chain on raw material changes, manufacturing optimization, and issue resolution.
  • Provide PSM and EHS guidance to ensure compliance with reactive chemistry standards and the safe introduction of new products.
  • Support sites directly in the implementation of major projects.

Qualifications

  • Chemical engineering background or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years of progressive experience in a key leadership or management role within a manufacturing facility.
  • Knowledge of reactive chemistry and paint or chemical processing.
  • Strong understanding of P&L, strong PC skills.
  • Previous experience implementing and using continuous improvement/lean tools such as Six Sigma, 5S, Lean Manufacturing, Transactional Lean, etc., to drive improvement.
  • Demonstrated strong leadership, team‑building, and advanced coaching skills.
  • Ability to work across sites and functions to support standardization.
  • PSM and EHS experience.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills across all organizational levels.
  • Strong adaptability and flexibility.
  • Strong analytical and decision‑making skills.
  • Fluent English; any additional language is a strong asset.

Process Development Leader employer: The Sherwin-Williams Company

As a Process Development Leader at our innovative packaging coatings sites in France, Germany, or the UK, you will join a dynamic work culture that prioritises operational excellence and employee growth. We offer competitive benefits, a collaborative environment, and opportunities to lead impactful projects that drive significant improvements across multiple plants, ensuring your contributions are both meaningful and rewarding.
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Contact Detail:

The Sherwin-Williams Company Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Process Development Leader

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Process Development Leader role.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in operational excellence and manufacturing strategies. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and process improvement. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Process Development Leader

Operational Excellence
Manufacturing Strategies
Performance Analysis
Cost Efficiency Optimization
Global Collaboration
Process Improvement
Project Planning
Chemical Engineering Knowledge
Leadership Skills
Continuous Improvement Tools
Lean Manufacturing
PSM and EHS Compliance
Interpersonal Communication
Adaptability
Analytical Decision-Making

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Process Development Leader role. Highlight your experience in operational excellence and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can drive improvements across our packaging coatings sites. Keep it engaging and personal!

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to quantify your success—numbers speak volumes to us!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Sherwin-Williams Company

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your chemical engineering knowledge and any relevant manufacturing processes. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence in previous roles, especially using tools like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led teams or projects. Highlight your ability to build strong relationships across different functions and sites, as collaboration is key in this role.

✨Be Data-Driven

Since the role involves analysing performance metrics, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to drive improvements. Discuss any complex analyses you've conducted and the impact they had on cost efficiency or production quality.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

Demonstrate your interest in the company by asking thoughtful questions about their operational strategies and future projects. This shows that you're not just focused on the role but also on how you can contribute to their long-term goals.

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