Chemical Plants Manager

Kronospan; Chirk; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-based pension

Full-time 42.5h/wk

Career progression

International network

Job summary

Kronospan is seeking a conscientious and analytical leader to own the Resin and Formalin departments, driving efficiency, quality and safety across the site. You will lead production, safety, and regulatory compliance while building capability within the chemical function.

This is a full-time leadership role requiring strategic oversight, team development, and collaboration with planning and regulators. The successful candidate will guide improvements and ensure reliable, compliant operations at

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering or equivalent.
• Proven experience in chemical production and processes.
• Operational experience with COMAH regulations and process safety.
• Proven ability to lead, direct and hold teams to account, with strong leadership.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills to investigate and resolve issues quickly.

Responsibilities

• Hold overall responsibility for Formalin, Resin production and site quality.
• Own EHS performance across the department.
• Lead the department in achieving its production and quality targets.
• Maximise process availability through structured maintenance and planning coordination.
• Manage staffing to meet production requirements and control departmental costs.

Skills

Strong leadership

Analytical thinking

Decision making under pressure

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Degree in Chemistry

Degree in Chemical Engineering

Job description

Company Description

Kronospan is the world's leading manufacturer of wood-based panel products. Since 1897 we have invested in innovation to deliver on our promise of ‘Wood Perfected’, and today we employ around 15,000 people across more than 40 manufacturing sites worldwide. Our panels, decorative surfaces and engineered wood products are used every day in furniture, flooring, interiors and construction projects around the world.

As the world leader in the production of wood-based panel products, we are seeking a conscientious and analytical leader to take ownership of our Resin and Formalin departments — driving efficiency, quality and safety, and building the site’s capability across the chemical function.

Job Description

• Hold overall responsibility for Formalin, Resin production and site quality
• Own EHS performance across the department
• Lead the department in achieving its production and quality targets
• Maximise process availability through structured maintenance programmes, agreed with the maintenance function
• Ensure efficient utilisation of the process through close coordination with the Planning department
• Manage and develop your teams through competency development and effective performance management
• Build team capability through structured training, coaching and motivation
• Manage staffing to ensure resources meet production requirements
• Control departmental costs, including energy consumption and maintenance budgets
• Act as the key point of contact for regulators and other stakeholders

Qualifications

What we're looking for:

Essential

• Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or similar
• Proven experience of chemical production and processes
• Operational experience working under COMAH regulations, with a sound understanding of process safety principles
• Proven ability to lead, direct and hold teams to account, with strong, confident leadership
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to investigate and resolve issues quickly and efficiently
• Ability to perform consistently and make sound decisions under pressure

Additional Information

What we offer:

• Competitive remuneration package including work-based pension
• Full time contract, Monday-Friday 42.5 hrs/week
• Exciting and challenging work at the heart of a world-leading manufacturing site
• Continued training, professional development and opportunities for career progression
• The opportunity to work with and contribute to an international network of plant managers and technologists, sharing best practice and improvement initiatives

Ref: LI-AM2