Production Manager

Element Solutions Inc; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A chemical manufacturing company in Birmingham is seeking a Production Leader to manage chemical blend operations. You will ensure compliance with safety standards and lead a team in optimizing production processes. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Chemical Engineering, a minimum of 3 years of experience in manufacturing, and strong leadership skills. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits, promoting a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Performance-related bonus scheme

Company pension

Life assurance

Health cash plan

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a multi-product manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of safe chemical handling processes.
• Team management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage chemical blend production operations.
• Ensure compliance with UK chemical regulations.
• Drive continuous improvement in quality and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning tools

Job description

Role Purpose

To lead and manage the chemical blend production operations at the Birmingham facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing processes that meet customer requirements and company objectives.

What will you be doing?

• Production Planning & Control
  Develop and execute production schedules aligned with customer demand and plant capacity.
  Monitor daily output and adjust resources to meet KPIs for throughput, yield, and cost efficiency.
• Safety & Compliance
  Ensure strict adherence to UK chemical industry regulations (COSHH, REACH, COMAH).
  Maintain a strong safety culture through regular communication, audits, risk assessments, and training.
  Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
  Lead daily Tier one meetings.
• Quality Assurance
  Collaborate with QA/QC teams to maintain ISO standards and product specifications.
  Drive continuous improvement in quality processes and reduce non‑conformities.
• Team Leadership
  Manage and develop a team of technicians and operators.
  Conduct performance reviews and implement training programmes for skill development.
  Promote engagement and accountability within the production team.
• Resource & Cost Management
  Optimize raw material usage and minimise waste.
  Control production costs and contribute to budgeting and forecasting.
• Continuous Improvement
  Implement Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
  Drive 5S and waste reduction processes.
  Identify process bottlenecks and lead improvement projects to enhance efficiency.
• Reporting
  Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly production reports.
  Track KPIs such as production volume, productivity, schedule compliance, downtime and safety metrics.

Who are You?

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering or a related discipline is preferred but not essential.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a multi‑product recipe‑based manufacturing environment or a similar process industry at a team‑leader/supervisory level.
• Knowledge of safe chemical handling processes.
• Leadership and team management experience.
• Proficiency in ERP systems and production planning tools.
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication and analytical skills.

KPIs for Birmingham Plant

• Safety: Zero lost‑time incidents, compliance with COSHH and COMAH.
• Production: Meet or exceed monthly output targets.
• Quality: First pass yield and on‑time delivery.
• Efficiency: Improve employee productivity.
• Cost: Maintain spending within budget & manage overtime to budget.

We are Offering…

As part of our team you will receive a competitive base salary, participate in a generous performance‑related bonus scheme, and benefit from a company pension, life assurance, a health cash plan, company uniform, training and development, 25 days holiday a year plus bank holidays, free onsite parking and convenient access to motorway links and amenities.

We provide a challenging but rewarding experience – you will have the opportunity to learn, grow and contribute from your very first day. Our teams play an important role in enabling technological breakthroughs in high‑growth industries worldwide.

Working time: Monday to Thursday: 7:00‑15:30, Monday to Friday: 7:00‑12:00. Occasional overtime when needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other protected category applicable under federal, state and local laws.