Production Manager

Vale; Clydach; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vale Clydach Nickel Refinery in South Wales seeks a Production Manager to lead the Production department, delivering safe, efficient and reliable operation. You will report to the UK Operations Manager and sit on the Senior Leadership Team, driving safety, performance and continuous improvement across the refinery.

You will lead a high‑performing team, manage production targets, and collaborate with regulators, customers and contractors to support Vale’s safety and efficiency goals in a dynamic,

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in manufacturing/processing environments.
• Strong understanding of process safety and operational risk management.
• Experience in regulated/high-hazard industries is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Production team to a high-performance culture.
• Ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation of refinery production assets.
• Drive health, safety, environmental and process safety performance.
• Manage performance to meet production, quality and cost targets.
• Lead improvement initiatives to boost productivity and plant reliability.
• Coach and mentor staff with clear performance expectations.
• Contribute to strategic direction as part of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Build relationships with regulators, customers and contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Process safety

Stakeholder management

Communication

Continuous improvement

Team development

Education

Engineering degree

Leadership qualification

NEBOSH General Certificate

Job description

Production Manager

About Us

Vale Clydach Nickel Refinery is one of the world's leading producers of high-purity nickel powders and pellets, supplying critical materials to global markets including battery production, aerospace, engineering and renewable technologies.

Located in South Wales and employing around 200 people, Clydach is part of Vale Base Metals and plays an important role in supporting the global energy transition.

The Opportunity

We are looking for an experienced Production Manager to lead our Production department and provide visible leadership across the refinery.

Reporting to the UK Operations Manager and forming part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of our production facilities, ensuring we continue to meet our safety, environmental and operational objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Production team, creating a high-performance culture built on accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of refinery production assets.
• Drive excellence in health, safety, environmental and process safety performance.
• Manage operational performance to achieve production, quality and cost targets.
• Lead improvement initiatives that enhance productivity, reliability and plant performance.
• Support the development and progression of employees through coaching, mentoring and clear performance expectations.
• Contribute to the refinery's strategic direction as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Build strong relationships with regulators, customers, contractors and other key stakeholders.
• About You

The successful candidate will have:

• Significant leadership experience within a manufacturing, chemical, metals, minerals or process industry environment.
• Experience working within a high-hazard or regulated industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of process safety and operational risk management.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience of continuous improvement methodologies would be advantageous.

You will ideally hold:

• A degree in an engineering, scientific or related STEM discipline.
• A recognised leadership or management qualification.
• A NEBOSH General Certificate (or equivalent).