Production Manager
Recruiter: Hays Recruitment
Location: Staffordshire
Salary: £70,000 - £80,000
Application date: 27th Oct 2026
We’re recruiting on behalf of a global chemical manufacturing business operating within a highly regulated process environment. With products supplied to customers worldwide, the business is seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead a 24/7 manufacturing operation and drive operational performance across a key production site.
This is a business-critical appointment and would suit an ambitious production leader looking to take ownership of a complex manufacturing environment, with the opportunity to progress into a broader operational leadership role in the future.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and develop a 24/7 chemical manufacturing operation.
• Manage production teams across a continental shift pattern.
• Drive performance against safety, quality, production and operational KPIs.
• Ensure full compliance within a COMAH-regulated environment.
• Develop Team Leaders and Senior Operators, creating a high-performance culture.
• Monitor output, productivity and operational efficiency across the plant.
• Lead investigations, root cause analysis and corrective actions where required.
• Work closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality and other key stakeholders.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives across the production function.
• Provide confident leadership and decision-making within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
About You
• Degree qualified in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Proven experience in a Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Operations Manager or similar leadership position.
• Strong background within chemical, process, pharmaceutical or COMAH-regulated manufacturing environments.
• At least 8 years’ experience within chemical manufacturing.
• Experience managing teams within a continuous or 24/7 production environment.
• Strong understanding of process safety and operational risk management.
• Able to make independent decisions and take ownership of outcomes.
• Confident communicator capable of leading teams and influencing stakeholders across the business.
• Results-focused with experience working within a KPI-driven manufacturing operation.
Desirable
• Upper Tier COMAH experience.
• Experience within speciality chemicals, fine chemicals or other complex process manufacturing sectors.
• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience.
• Experience leading operational change and improvement projects.
• Strong understanding of modern production management techniques and processes.
The Opportunity
• Join an established international manufacturing business.
• Lead a sizeable production operation within a highly regulated environment.
• Take ownership of a business-critical function.
• Genuine opportunity to progress into a broader operational leadership role.
• Significant autonomy and responsibility from day one.