Operations Manager (Start-up)
CV-LibraryDerbyshirepermanentPosted: 29 June 2026
Apply NowAn exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Manager to lead a newly commissioned chemical manufacturing facility focused on scaling innovative technologies from demonstration to commercial deployment.
This site plays a critical role in validating process performance, supporting future plant design and operation, and delivering product samples to customers.
As Operations Manager, you will take ownership of day-to-day site operations and have the autonomy to shape the operational culture, embedding the highest standards of safety, quality, compliance and continuous improvement.
Working within a dynamic and collaborative environment, you will lead a team of operations and technical personnel while partnering closely with engineering, commercial, quality and technical specialists across the wider organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead by example, promoting and maintaining the highest standards of safety, sustainability and operational excellence.
* Manage the day-to-day operation of the facility, including production planning, raw material utilisation, utility consumption and waste treatment.
* Develop, coach and support operational teams to ensure production and customer requirements are achieved safely and efficiently.
* Create and implement resource and production plans to meet customer demand and process development objectives.
* Collaborate with Quality and Commercial teams to ensure products are delivered on time and to specification.
* Develop and improve operational procedures, standards and work processes to support safe and efficient manufacturing.
* Build strong working relationships with operations, engineering, technical and EHS teams.
* Support the introduction, commissioning and optimisation of new processes and technologies.
* Establish training programmes and competency frameworks for operators and technical staff.
* Develop deep operational knowledge to support future site expansion and commercial-scale deployment.
About You
You will be a hands-on leader with a passion for operational excellence, capable of thriving in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Essential Requirements
* Proven experience managing operations within an industrial chemical manufacturing environment.
* Degree (or equivalent experience) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline.
* Strong understanding of industrial chemical processing technology, plant operations and control systems.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams while driving high performance and operational standards.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Structured, analytical and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
* Comfortable working in a dynamic and rapidly growing organisation.
Desirable Experience
* Experience supporting chemical plant commissioning and scale-up activities.
* Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies and root cause analysis techniques.
* Experience working within pilot, demonstration or emerging technology environments.
What's on Offer
* Opportunity to play a key role in the development and scale-up of innovative chemical manufacturing technologies.
* High level of autonomy and influence within a growing operation.
* Collaborative, hands-on working environment with strong technical support.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* Long-term career development opportunities as the organisation expands
This site plays a critical role in validating process performance, supporting future plant design and operation, and delivering product samples to customers.
As Operations Manager, you will take ownership of day-to-day site operations and have the autonomy to shape the operational culture, embedding the highest standards of safety, quality, compliance and continuous improvement.
Working within a dynamic and collaborative environment, you will lead a team of operations and technical personnel while partnering closely with engineering, commercial, quality and technical specialists across the wider organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead by example, promoting and maintaining the highest standards of safety, sustainability and operational excellence.
* Manage the day-to-day operation of the facility, including production planning, raw material utilisation, utility consumption and waste treatment.
* Develop, coach and support operational teams to ensure production and customer requirements are achieved safely and efficiently.
* Create and implement resource and production plans to meet customer demand and process development objectives.
* Collaborate with Quality and Commercial teams to ensure products are delivered on time and to specification.
* Develop and improve operational procedures, standards and work processes to support safe and efficient manufacturing.
* Build strong working relationships with operations, engineering, technical and EHS teams.
* Support the introduction, commissioning and optimisation of new processes and technologies.
* Establish training programmes and competency frameworks for operators and technical staff.
* Develop deep operational knowledge to support future site expansion and commercial-scale deployment.
About You
You will be a hands-on leader with a passion for operational excellence, capable of thriving in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
Essential Requirements
* Proven experience managing operations within an industrial chemical manufacturing environment.
* Degree (or equivalent experience) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry or a related discipline.
* Strong understanding of industrial chemical processing technology, plant operations and control systems.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and develop teams while driving high performance and operational standards.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
* Structured, analytical and collaborative approach to problem-solving.
* Comfortable working in a dynamic and rapidly growing organisation.
Desirable Experience
* Experience supporting chemical plant commissioning and scale-up activities.
* Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies and root cause analysis techniques.
* Experience working within pilot, demonstration or emerging technology environments.
What's on Offer
* Opportunity to play a key role in the development and scale-up of innovative chemical manufacturing technologies.
* High level of autonomy and influence within a growing operation.
* Collaborative, hands-on working environment with strong technical support.
* Competitive salary and benefits package.
* Long-term career development opportunities as the organisation expands