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Permanent

Production Manager

Hays Engineering
Stoke-on-Trent
money-bag £70000 - £80000/annum £70,000-80,000 per annum
Posted: 03 October 2026 (Today)
Closing date: 01 November 2026
Ref: 225682263

Production Manager


North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent area | -70,000 - -80,000 + Package


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.


This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chemical manufacturing professional to join a highly successful business and play a key role in the ongoing development of its manufacturing operation.Applications are being reviewed immediately, with interviews taking place on an ongoing basis.For a confidential discussion or to apply, please submit an up-to-date CV.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C''s, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at (url removed)

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