Group SHEQ and Operations Efficiency Director

TN United Kingdom; Goole; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in the Life Sciences and Consumer Care markets is seeking a dynamic Director of SHE & Operations Excellence. This pivotal role focuses on implementing and governing SHE and Operational Excellence standards across multiple sites. The ideal candidate will drive cultural change, promote continuous improvement, and ensure compliance with safety policies. With a commitment to diversity and innovation, this company offers a collaborative environment where your leadership can make a significant impact on operational strategies. Join a forward-thinking organization that values its people and aims for a positive future.

Qualifications

• Experience in multi-site operations leadership within high hazard chemical manufacturing.
• Passion for driving behavioral safety cultures with clear accountability.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and continuous improvement of a global operational excellence program.
• Manage and govern global SHE and Operations Excellence programs.

Skills

Operations Leadership

Influencing Skills

Conflict Management

Behavioral Safety Culture

Lean Six Sigma

Strategic Thinking

Education

Formal Qualification in Engineering or Science

Job description

Director of SHE & Operations Excellence

Croda is a market leader in research, development, and manufacturing of ingredients for the Life Sciences and Consumer Care markets. With over 6,000 employees across 39 countries, we are focused on our purpose of ‘Smart Science to Improve Lives’ and aim to become people and climate positive by 2030.

Our manufacturing sites range from GMP certified to high hazard batch chemical operations, with a presence in over 10 countries. Safety and Operational Excellence are fundamental to our organizational strategy.

Due to an upcoming retirement, we are seeking an experienced operations leader to implement and govern the Group’s SHE and Operational Excellence standards. You will act as a catalyst for cultural change, embedding continuous improvement, cost efficiency, customer agility, and waste reduction while fostering a high-performance culture across all operations.

Who we're looking for:

• Formal qualification in Engineering or Science, with experience in multi-site operations leadership within high hazard chemical manufacturing.
• Excellent influencing and conflict management skills, capable of delivering through others and influencing at senior levels including the executive and board.
• Passion for driving behavioral safety cultures with clear accountability and action delivery.
• Experience in creating and deploying large-scale operational excellence programs (training in Lean, Six Sigma is a plus).
• Strategic thinking and curiosity to design, implement, and improve manufacturing strategies, promoting harmonization across sites and regions.
• Authentic, low-ego leadership demonstrating behaviors aligned with personal and organizational values.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of a global operational excellence program focused on continuous improvement, waste reduction, and cultural change.
• Manage and govern global SHE and Operations Excellence programs, ensuring compliance with Croda’s SHE risk policies and standards.
• Provide insight into SHE and OpEx developments, sharing best practices and applying knowledge to improve operations.
• Coach and develop the global SHE and Operations Excellence team, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the global SHE management systems and the development of Croda’s OpEx Program.
• Partner with global leaders and committees to implement SHE and OpEx effectively.
• Engage with the Executive Committee and industry peers, providing updates and sharing insights.
• Create dashboards, KPIs, and visual metrics for tracking improvements.
• Influence site leadership to integrate SHE and OpEx into operational objectives and transformation plans.

Why Croda?

At Croda, our people are our strength. We are committed to diversity, inclusion, and responsible innovation, guided by our values of Responsible, Innovative, and Together. We aim to build an inclusive and collaborative organization that values diversity and customer focus.

Additional Information:

This role is ideally based near our UK Head Office in East Yorkshire, but remote/hybrid options are considered. Relocation support is available if needed.

Croda is an equal opportunities employer, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief.