An experienced Production Manager to lead the building, commissioning and safe day-to-day operation of our new 50 tpa production and demonstration facility — building a competent operations team and ensuring compliance with UK health, safety and environmental regulations.

• Safely lead and manage day-to-day operations of the new production facility.
• Lead the site in achieving excellence in health and safety, product quality, uptime, operational excellence and efficiency.
• Develop and agree relevant Standard Operating Procedures and documents to support the basis of safety for the site, prior to and following commissioning.
• Oversee factory acceptance tests for key plant items, their installation into the facility and successful commissioning of the plant.
• Achieve agreed targets for product output and quality.
• Lead process and operational improvements as understanding of the production process evolves.
• Put in place appropriate maintenance systems and processes, and maintain excellent standards of site appearance and housekeeping.
• Record and report on production, performance indicators, test results, maintenance and safety requirements.
• Manage the inbound and outbound materials supply chain and minimise WIP.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant UK environmental policies and procedures for waste and hazardous substances.
• Manage relationships with external regulatory bodies and neighbours.
• Recruit and train the shift operations team as capacity grows.

Relevant experience in the processing of hazardous chemicals (flammable, corrosive).
Experience of commissioning and process start-up — comfort leading a first-time operational start-up.
Recruiting, training and managing a production and maintenance team.
Experience of successful continuous improvement processes.
Knowledge of UK health and safety laws and the relevant chemical regulatory environment.
A positive, flexible and adaptable approach, with capacity to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.
Effective oral and written communication skills, and a positive customer-centred focus.
Flexibility to work varying shifts, including weekends or public holidays, if necessary.
Degree-level qualification in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical or Manufacturing Systems), Operations or Leadership Management.
Full current driving licence.
Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and ISO standards.
Commissioning of new processes.
Hazard study protocols.
Familiarity with quality assurance protocols and standards.
Salary: Competitive.
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours / week).
Work base: Dragonfly production facility, Prudhoe, Northumberland, NE42 6PQ.
Pension: Contributory scheme — 6% employer, minimum 4% employee, with optional salary-sacrifice top-ups.
Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays.
Location requirement: Candidates must be based in the UK, with the right to work in the UK.