Lead Process Technician

Position: Lead Process Technician (Permanent)
Lead Technician
Process Manufacturing / Chemical Operations
North East England
Permanent role – continental shift pattern

We are supporting an industrial client in the North East that is building an operational team for a modern plastic-to-oil process facility. As part of this growth, we are looking to recruit an experienced Lead Technician to support safe, stable and efficient plant operations.

This role sits within the production team and reports to the Production Team Leader. The Lead Technician will act as the senior technical authority on shift, supporting operational oversight, troubleshooting process issues and guiding operators to ensure the plant operates within defined parameters.

The position plays an important role in maintaining plant availability, minimising downtime and supporting continuous improvement in a 24/7 operational environment.

Role responsibilities

Assist in leading day-to-day production activities to ensure safe, compliant and efficient plant operation

Promote and maintain a strong safety culture aligned with COMAH and high-hazard industry standards

Monitor plant conditions and support troubleshooting of process deviations

Provide hands-on guidance and coaching to operators on shift

Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures

Prepare and issue permits to work and ensure correct isolation of equipment using lockout tagout systems

Carry out safety audits and contribute to safe systems of work

Conduct laboratory analysis including air tests where required

Lead level 1 maintenance activities and assist with equipment troubleshooting

Work closely with engineering, EHS and other departments to resolve operational issues

Support efficiency, reliability and continuous improvement initiatives across production

Act as deputy to the Production Team Leader when required

Contribute to the development of new operational areas as the business grows

Key accountabilities

Safe and compliant execution of production activities

Effective application of permit to work and controlled operations systems

Strong operational leadership and support for production teams

Timely identification and resolution of operational issues

Contribution to plant reliability, operational efficiency and continuous improvement

Candidate profile

Proven experience within chemical manufacturing or a similar high-hazard process environment

Ideally a minimum of five years’ operational experience in a process industry

Level 2 or Level 3 process operations qualification or equivalent

Experience working with permit to work and controlled operations systems

Strong leadership capability and ability to support team development

Excellent communication, problem-solving and organisational skills

Experience working on a COMAH site would be advantageous

Forklift truck licence desirable but not essential

Flexibility to work a continental shift pattern

Key competencies

Leadership and team support

Safety awareness and accountability

Strong problem-solving ability

Effective communication and collaboration

Continuous improvement mindset

Strong organisational and time management skills

Attention to detail and process discipline

Ability to monitor and interpret process parameters

Practical competence using lockout tagout and permit to work systems

If you have a background in process manufacturing and are looking to take the next step in your career within a growing industrial operation, we would be interested in speaking with you