Chemical Safety Lead

The Opportunity
Wolviston Management Services are supporting a forward-thinking manufacturing organisation in the appointment of a Process Chemical Safety Lead.

This is a pivotal role focused on embedding a strong process safety culture across site operations. You will provide expert technical guidance to both operational and leadership teams, ensuring the safe, compliant and efficient design and operation of chemical processes.
This opportunity would suit a proactive and technically strong professional who is passionate about process safety, continuous improvement and driving best practice within a complex industrial environment.
 
The Role
Reporting into senior leadership, you will take ownership of process and chemical safety across the business. You will play a key role in ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, enhancing plant safety performance and supporting the safe lifecycle of chemicals and associated systems.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and promote a positive process safety culture across all site operations
• Ensure chemical processes, waste streams and equipment comply with legislation and internal standards
• Conduct inspections and risk assessments, implementing robust control measures
• Lead HAZOP/CHAZOP studies and develop Cause & Effect Safety Matrices
• Provide technical support across chemical engineering and plant design activities
• Liaise with regulatory bodies (including HSE and Environment Agency) to ensure compliance, including IPPC permits
• Develop and deliver process and chemical safety training across the site
• Oversee chemical handling, storage, transport and waste management, including Legionella control
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across process safety and operational performance
• Monitor and report on leading and lagging safety indicators
• Develop and maintain safe operating procedures for plant and equipment
• Implement spill response and loss-of-containment procedures and training
• Apply ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 standards across site activities
• Support the development and optimisation of plant design for safe and efficient operation
• Manage the safe lifecycle of chemicals and raw materials
• Maintain and enhance emergency response protocols and alarm investigation processes
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to track safety and performance metrics

• A strong background in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry within a manufacturing or process environment
• Experience developing and implementing process safety systems and frameworks
• Proven expertise in hazard identification, HAZOP/CHAZOP and safety system design
• Strong technical knowledge of chemical plant operations and design
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to produce clear, concise technical documentation and procedures
• A proactive, organised and results-driven approach
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to influence, coach and mentor others

• Degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry
• NEBOSH qualification (or equivalent) is desirable

• Candidates with relevant experience and potential are encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet every requirement
• Our client is committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process, with reasonable adjustments available where required