First Line Manager

Nufarm Limited; Wyke; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Health Cash Plan

Site bonus

Free canteen

Career pathway

Job summary

Nufarm Limited in Wyke, United Kingdom, is seeking a First Line Manager – Chemical Manufacturing to lead shift operations, make real-time decisions and deliver safe, reliable production on a 2‑day/2‑night 12‑hour shift pattern.

You will manage a team of operators, ensure compliance with SHE and process controls, and coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering and Supply Chain to meet production plans while maintaining quality. A technical qualification and leadership experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in chemical or process manufacturing on a supervisory/leadership level.
• Technical qualification (HND/ONC or equivalent) is essential.
• Ability to lead and develop a team while ensuring safety and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead shift operations to achieve production targets safely and to quality standards.
• Directly manage, train and develop a team of Operators, including competence validation.
• Maintain SHE and process safety awareness and ensure compliance with SOPs and permits.
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics and QC to minimise downtime.
• Participate in safety audits, risk assessments, HAZOPs, COSHH reviews and investigations.
• Prepare plant and permits for maintenance, engineering work, hot work and confined space entry.
• Maintain accurate production, raw material and inventory records in the ERP system.
• Support emergency response activities as part of the site Emergency Response Team.
• Drive housekeeping standards, 5S and waste minimisation within the area.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Safety awareness

Education

HND/ONC or equivalent

Tools

ERP system

Job description

Requisition ID10486-Posted07/27/2026-United Kingdom-Wyke-Manufacturing

First Line Manager – Chemical Manufacturing

Are you an experienced Chemical Industry production professional ready to step into a people-focused leadership role on shift?

Do you enjoy making real-time operational decisions, leading teams on the plant floor, and ensuring production is delivered safely, efficiently and to plan? If so, we invite you to explore an opportunity at Nufarm where you can build leadership experience within a regulated chemical manufacturing environment.

Nufarm. Evolving Ag.

Nufarm is a global crop protection and seeds technologies company that helps farmers and businesses meet the global challenges of food, feed, fibre and food production.

Whether it’s commercialising the world’s first plant-based omega-3, launching precision agricultural solutions, unlocking biomass oils for more sustainable fuels and fast-moving consumer goods, launching innovative new crop protection solutions or delivering the crop and seed solutions farmers depend on every day, Nufarm is evolving with agriculture to drive value for customers .

Your Future, Fuelled by Innovation

As a First Line Manager, you will play a critical role in delivering safe and reliable production by leading shift operations within your production area. You will manage day-to-day manufacturing activities, make operational decisions within your remit, and lead a team of operators to deliver the short-term production plan while meeting quality, safety and environmental standards.

How You’ll Help Us Grow

• Lead shift operations to ensure production targets are achieved safely and to quality standards
• Directly manage, train and develop a team of Operators, including competence validation
• Maintain high levels of SHE and process safety awareness and compliance at all times
• Ensure operations are carried out in line with standard operating procedures and permits
• Coordinate with Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics and QC to minimise downtime
• Participate in safety audits, risk assessments, HAZOPs, COSHH reviews and incident investigations
• Prepare plant and permits for maintenance, engineering work, hot work and confined space entry
• Maintain accurate production, raw material and inventory records within the ERP system
• Support emergency response activities as part of the site Emergency Response Team
• Drive housekeeping standards, 5S ownership and waste minimisation within the area

Could This Be You?

We’re looking for someone with hands‑on experience in a chemical or process manufacturing environment who is ready to take responsibility for people, plant and performance on shift. A technical qualification (HND/ONC or equivalent experience) is essential, with supervisory or leadership experience highly valued. You’ll be confident working within strict safety and process controls, comfortable making decisions under pressure, and motivated to continuously improve performance.

This role is a shift role working 2-day shifts (12 hours) 2 nights shifts (12 hours) then 4 off. This repeats 7 times then there is an 18-day break. Holidays are included in the shift pattern.

We offer a contributory pension plan, a Health Cash Plan,Site Bonus and a free canteen. You will automatically enroll onto our Career Pathway with clear goals and objectives and a pathway to a successful career with us.

What’s in it for you?

• Growth and development opportunities across site with our Career pathway program
• A boosted pension scheme –we’ll match 1.25% to every 1% you pay (up to 8%)
• Free canteen
• Health Cash Plan
• Long service awards
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• A friendly and supportive team whereyou’re encouraged to be yourself and come as you are!

Nufarm is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all Nufarm employees.