At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead plant operations, ensuring safety and efficiency in a dynamic chemical environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation in the innovative chemical sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a focus on safety and operational excellence.
- Other info: Flexible shift patterns with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a technical role that drives performance and improvement.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in chemical manufacturing, strong leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Location: Darlington, Co Durham
Contract Type: Permanent / Full Time
Closing Date: Aug 12th, 2026
Ref: 1654633
Wolviston Management Services are supporting a highly innovative organisation within the chemical sector in the appointment of a Lead Technician. This is an excellent opportunity to join a technically driven, COMAH-regulated environment, where safety, operational excellence and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything they do.
As Lead Technician, you will play a key role in supporting the safe, stable and efficient operation of a continuous process plant, acting as the senior technical point of contact on shift and driving performance across production activities.
The Role
- Working closely with the Production Team Leader, you will take a hands‑on leadership role in overseeing plant operations, supporting team performance and ensuring full compliance with process safety and regulatory standards.
- You will be responsible for:
- Supporting day-to-day production activities to ensure safe, efficient and compliant plant operation
- Acting as the senior technical authority on shift, leading troubleshooting and resolving process deviations
- Promoting a strong safety culture aligned to COMAH and site standards
- Preparing and issuing Permits to Work (PTW) and carrying out LOTO isolations
- Coaching and developing operators to drive team capability and performance
- Supporting the development and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Collaborating with engineering, maintenance and EHS teams to resolve operational challenges
- Leading Level 1 maintenance activities and fault finding across process equipment
- Conducting safety audits and supporting environmental and compliance activities
- Deputising for the Production Team Leader when required
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure safe, compliant and efficient execution of all production activities
- Maintain strict adherence to PTW, LOTO and process safety systems
- Drive plant reliability, uptime and operational performance
- Lead proactive problem solving and continuous improvement initiatives
- Support business growth and the development of new operational areas
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience within chemical manufacturing or high‑hazard process industries
- Ideally 5+ years' experience in a similar operational role
- Relevant Process Operations qualification (Level 2/3 or equivalent)
- Strong working knowledge of Permit to Work and LOTO systems
- Experience operating within a COMAH environment (desirable)
- Demonstrable leadership and team development capability
- Strong fault‑finding, problem‑solving and decision‑making skills
- Excellent communication and organisational ability
- Flexible approach to working continental shift patterns
- FLT licence is advantageous but not essential.
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to join a forward‑thinking, growing organisation
- Work within a highly technical and safety‑led environment
- Play a key role in driving operational performance and improvement
- Genuine opportunity for development and progression
Lead Technician employer: Wolviston Management Services Ltd
As an Engineering Manager at our major UK manufacturing site in Greatham, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative work culture that prioritises engineering excellence and continuous improvement. We offer competitive benefits, a commitment to employee development, and the chance to lead multidisciplinary teams in a pivotal role that directly impacts plant performance and safety. Join us to make a meaningful contribution in a supportive environment that values your expertise and fosters professional growth.
Contact Details:
Wolviston Management Services Ltd Recruitment Team
