Operations Leader

Nufarm Limited; Gillingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in crop protection and seeds technologies, Nufarm is seeking an Operations Leader for their Wyke site. In this role, you'll drive production performance, ensure compliance with safety standards, and lead a team towards operational excellence. You'll play a critical role in shaping a culture of continuous improvement while overseeing plant operations.

Benefits

Enhanced holiday entitlement of 28 days per year

Boosted pension scheme

Free canteen

Health Cash Plan

Long service awards

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing plant operations.
• Strong background in chemical manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of Lean/Six Sigma principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations ensuring safe and efficient manufacturing.
• Develop and execute continuous improvement initiatives.
• Implement safety and quality standards effectively.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Continuous Improvement

Process Safety

Team Development

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry

Job description

Career Opportunities: Operations Leader (9991)

Requisition ID9991-Posted -United Kingdom-Wyke-Manufacturing

Are you an experienced manufacturing leader with a passion for operational excellence and team development? Do you thrive in a fast-paced, high-hazard environment where safety, quality, and continuous improvement are top priorities? If so, we invite you to explore an exciting opportunity at Nufarm’s Wyke site—where your leadership can shape the future of chemical production and drive meaningful impact across our global business.

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

In the role of Operations Leader at our Wyke manufacturing site, you’ll be at the heart of our production success. You'll take ownership of plant performance, leading a team of 20+ to deliver on safety, quality, and output targets in a high-hazard chemical environment. From setting the strategic production plan to embedding a culture of continuous improvement, you’ll play a key role in optimising operations, developing talent, and ensuring our plant runs safely and efficiently—every single day.

How You’ll Help Us Grow

• Lead and manage daily operations of the production plant, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing processes.
• Drive performance through effective leadership of a team of 20+ employees, fostering a culture of empowerment and accountability.
• Champion a strong safety culture, implementing behavioural safety practices and maintaining high QSHE standards.
• Collaborate with planning, engineering, and supply chain teams to align production plans, shutdowns, and plant capabilities.
• Identify and resolve production deviations through SIC/UIR systems, initiating rapid response and follow-up actions.
• Develop and execute continuous improvement initiatives, applying Lean/Six Sigma principles to eliminate waste and improve plant performance.
• Ensure operating disciplines, SOPs, and quality standards are effectively implemented and maintained.
• Coach, mentor, and support team development through robust performance and development planning.

Could This Be You?

We’re looking for a hands-on, safety-focused leader with a strong background in chemical manufacturing and team development. Proven experience in managing plant operations, driving continuous improvement, and delivering against safety, quality, and production KPIs is essential. A degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry or relevant work experience is required, along with a solid understanding of process safety, behavioural leadership, and operational excellence frameworks such as Lean or Six Sigma.

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What’s in it for you?

• Growth and development opportunities across our global organisation
• Enhanced holiday entitlement of 28 days per year (plus bank holidays)
• 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.

Apply today and be part of our journey to shape the future of agriculture!