Production Manager

Element Solutions Inc; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading specialty chemicals company in Birmingham seeks a Production Manager to oversee chemical blend production operations. The role demands expertise in production planning, safety compliance, and team leadership within a multi-product manufacturing environment. Key responsibilities include ensuring regulatory adherence, managing a skilled team, and optimizing production efficiency. Competitive salary, bonuses, and benefits are offered alongside opportunities for career development. Working hours are Monday to Thursday from 7 am to 3:30 pm.

Benefits

Performance-related bonus scheme

Company pension

Life assurance

Health cash plan

Company uniform

Training and development

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a multi-product recipe-based manufacturing environment or similar process industry at a team leader/supervisory level.
• Knowledge of safe chemical handling processes.
• Proficiency in production planning tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute production schedules aligned with customer demand and plant capacity.
• Ensure strict adherence to UK chemical industry regulations.
• Collaborate with QA/QC teams to maintain ISO standards and product specifications.
• Manage and develop a team of technicians and operators.
• Optimize raw material usage and minimize waste.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Analytical skills

Leadership

Team management

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

ERP systems

Production planning tools

Job description

MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions operates as a business of Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI). Element Solutions Inc is a leading specialty chemicals company whose business supply a broad range of solutions that enhance the products people use every day.

MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions is a global supplier of industrial metal and plastic finishing chemistries. We primarily design and manufacture chemical systems that protect and decorate surfaces. Our high-performance functional coatings improve resistance to wear and tear, such as hard chrome plating of shock absorbers for cars, or provide corrosion resistance for appliance parts. Our decorative performance coatings apply finishes for parts in various end markets such as automotive interiors or jewelry surfaces. As part of our broader sustainable solutions platform, we also provide both chemistry and equipment for turnkey wastewater treatment, and recycle and reuse solutions. Our industrial customer base is highly diverse and includes customers in the following end markets: appliances and electronics; automotive parts; industrial parts; plumbing goods; construction equipment; and transportation equipment.

We strive to embody the five "Elements of our Culture"—our "5C's"—Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose, and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders, to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.

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 programs for skill development.
• Promote engagement and accountability within the production team.

Resource & Cost Management

• Optimize raw material usage and minimize 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 related discipline is preferred but not essential.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a multi-product recipe-based manufacturing environment or similar process industry at a team leader/supervisory or similar 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 here, in addition to a competitive base salary, you will also participate in a generous performance‑related bonus scheme. You will also receive a company pension, life assurance, a health cash plan, company uniform, training and development, as well as 25 days holiday a year, plus bank holidays. We are close to the motorway links and amenities. Free onsite parking.

We provide a challenging but rewarding experience to our people – you will have an opportunity to learn, grow and contribute from your very first day. Our teams play an important role enabling technological breakthroughs in high growth industries around the world. We continuously invest in technologies and extensive learning and development tools which provide opportunities to challenge, develop and nurture your career.

Working time: Monday to Thursday: 7 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday: 7 am to 12 pm. Occasional overtime when needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, 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.