Operations Manager

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Contract Type: Regular

Manchester - Lubricant Additives

The lubricant additives business units product portfolio of lubricants include synthetic base oils, lubricant additives, additive packages, and formulated lubricants. These are used in a wide variety of areas, in the automotive industry, in mechanical engineering, in metal processing, in shipbuilding, and even in the aviation industry. The lubricants are also used for engines, gearboxes, and other industrial applications in the power-generation, refrigeration, mining, constructions, primary metal, and food processing industries. Protect power trains from wear or extend the service life of machines when exposed to extreme temperatures Lanxess is developing special solutions for these applications.

Job Highlights

Take the Lead in Manufacturing Excellence

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for operational excellence? LANXESS SOLUTIONS UK Ltd is seeking an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to oversee manufacturing operations at our Trafford Park site. Reporting to the Site Manager, you will play a key role in driving efficiency, ensuring compliance, and leading a team of skilled professionals.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced chemical manufacturing environment, enjoys solving complex technical challenges, and has a proven track record in leadership, safety, and continuous improvement.

Your Impact
• Safety & Compliance - Ensure top-tier Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) performance, maintaining compliance with IPPC, COSHH, COMAH, and other regulations.
• Production Excellence- Implement and oversee the production plan, ensuring Right First-Time delivery and operational efficiency.
• Continuous Improvement - Use data-driven insights to enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and drive plant performance.
• Leadership & Team Development - Lead and develop a high-performing team of Production Specialists, Shift Manager and Technicians.
• Manage and drive the Site Training & Competency project
• Project & Change Management - Take ownership of plant improvements, ensuring seamless new plant handovers and safe commissioning.
• Operational Oversight - Manage cost controls, efficiency improvements, and production planning to optimize resources.

Requirements

What You Bring
• Strong background in chemical manufacturing operations within a COMAH facility.
• In-depth knowledge of EHSS laws, regulations, and permitting requirements.
• Proven experience in operations leadership, with a track record of successfully managing teams and driving change.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse data and implement strategic improvements.
• Working knowledge of Integrated Management Systems and auditing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of influencing and motivating teams at all levels.
This role requires flexibility, as our plants operate 24/7. You may be required to provide support outside of normal working hours when necessary.

LANXESS UK is an equal opportunities employer.

No Agency Approaches - Our recruitment is managed centrally, and direct approaches to hiring managers will not be accepted or eligible for payment.

What we offer you

• Compensation: We offer competitive compensation packages, inclusive of a global bonus program and an individual performance bonus program.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We provide a variety of benefits to support your financial security, health and wellbeing including retirement plans, health programs, life insurance and medical care.
• Work-Life & Flexibility: We support you in maintaining a balance between working hours and personal life. With our global "Xwork" program, we offer flexible working arrangements in all countries in which we operate.
• Training & Development: We are committed to your professional and personal development and encourage you in the ongoing pursuit of education, training and knowledge through both formal and informal learning.
• Diversity: For us, talent matters, we welcome everyone who commits to our values. We strongly believe that including diverse perspectives makes us more innovative and enhances our competitiveness. Therefore, we embrace the uniqueness of every single individual and are truly committed to supporting our people in developing their individual potential.

Interested? Apply today with your full up to date CV and we will be in touch with you soon.

Lanxess UK is an equal opportunities employer.