Shift Lead Operator

At Victrex , we create high-performance materials that power innovation across the globe. Behind every product is a team committed to safety, quality and operational excellence - and that’s where you come in.

We’re looking for a Shift Lead Operator to take a key role on shift, leading process operations while ensuring production is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

About the role

As a Shift Lead Operator, you’ll combine hands-on operational expertise with shift leadership responsibilities . Acting as the lead Process Operator, you’ll coordinate shift activities, optimise production performance and ensure operations are delivered right first time.

This is a critical role where you’ll influence safety, quality, and delivery , while supporting continuous improvement across the plant.

What you’ll be doing

• Operating manufacturing processes safely in line with SHE and operating procedures

• Leading shift activities to deliver production plans on time and in full

• Monitoring and optimising process conditions using data and analysis

• Identifying process issues and taking corrective action in line with standards

• Recording production data to support performance reviews and continuous improvement

• Coaching and supporting team members to embed new procedures and improvements

• Planning and prioritising shift resources to meet operational demands

• Acting as Incident Controller during emergency situations

• Issuing permits to work in line with defined safety procedures

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who brings strong technical capability , operational awareness , and leadership on shift .

You’ll have:

• Experience working in a complex, chemical, or hazardous manufacturing environment

• Strong understanding of production processes and control standards

• Good analytical skills and the ability to optimise process performance

• Excellent communication and coordination skills

• A proactive, quality-focused mindset with strong attention to detail

• Experience planning tasks, prioritising work, and leading activities on shift

• Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Essential:

• GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English, or a relevant apprenticeship/industrial route

Desirable:

• Training in risk assessment processes

• Basic mechanical knowledge to support frontline maintenance

Why join Victrex?

At Victrex, you’ll join a team where safety comes first, quality is non-negotiable, and continuous improvement is part of everyday work . You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Step into a lead role on shift , influencing performance and safety

• Contribute to major projects and plant improvements

• Develop your leadership capability in a high-performing environment

If you’re ready to take ownership on shift and play a key role in delivering safe, efficient and high-quality manufacturing, we’d love to hear from you.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE.

At present, we are not accepting any candidates via a recruitment agency or third party.

About Victrex

Victrex is an innovative world leader in high-performance PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) and PAEK (Poly Aryl Ether Ketone) polymer solutions focusing on the strategic markets of automotive, aerospace, energy and industrial, electronics and medical. Every day, millions of people use products and applications containing our materials – from smartphones, aeroplanes and cars to energy operations and medical devices.

With over 40 years‘ experience, we are developing world leading solutions with PEEK and PAEK-based polymers and selected semi-finished and finished parts which enable environmental and societal benefit for our customers and our markets and drive value for our shareholders

Vision and culture

At Victrex, we have a clear purpose: to deliver transformational and sustainable solutions that address global material challenges.

Our core values of passion, innovation, and performance are at the heart of everything we do. We are a company that thrives on human-centred leadership, valuing curiosity, adaptability, and collaboration in a fast-paced, digitally enabled world. We believe in empowering individuals, rather than seeing barriers to progress.

We are looking for individuals who are comfortable working in an environment that values digital and AI-driven solutions, who see technology as an enabler rather than a challenge. At Victrex, we foster a culture of continuous learning, agility, and adaptability, where employees are encouraged to embrace new ways of working, leverage data-driven insights, and drive meaningful change.

As we continue to evolve, we need people who are not just contributors but change accelerators … individuals who champion innovation, and drive transformation with a growth mindset. Whether through digitalisation, process improvement, or human-centred leadership, our employees play a crucial role in shaping the future of our business.

Our leadership approach is built on empowerment, inclusion, and collaboration. We value people who lead with empathy and authenticity, fostering a workplace where diverse perspectives and ideas can thrive. We work hard to ensure that our teams are engaged, motivated, and equipped to navigate an ever-changing landscape.

Sustainability is core to our strategy. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint while supporting society through our sustainable products and making a positive impact on our local communities.

We are proud to be recognised as a ‘Disability Confident’ employer and to be voted as one of the best places to work by ‘The Sunday Times’ not just once, but for two years in succession! A testament to our people-first culture, where innovation and adaptability thrive in a digital-first, AI-driven workplace; we are proud to have once again retained this very prestigious award!

As well as being recognised as one of the ‘Most Admired Companies in the Chemical Sector’ by The London Stock Exchange : Recognition of our commitment to excellence, transformation, and data-driven insights, empowering every team member to embrace change and drive success.

We’re also delighted to be acknowledged as a top performer in the FTSE Women Leaders Review for Women in Leadership and Women on Boards! Victrex has been ranked joint 4th among UK-listed FTSE 250 companies, standing alongside much larger peers.

Our aim is to provide the support of accessibility and community within Victrex for everyone. So, if you need any help, advice or just want a confidential chat regarding any Diversity, Equity or Inclusion matters even before you apply to Victrex, then here is what you need to know:

The enabling support that Victrex prides itself on giving, starts from when anyone applies or wants to apply to join our team.

We are always here to help provide any ‘reasonable adjustments’ you may need during your application process. So please contact us to discuss your specific requirements in more depth.

We even have a dedicated email that anyone can use to reach out for help, advice, and a confidential chat......whatever you need to know, and to help ensure an equitable solution, that’s right for you, right from the start!

That email is: View email address on careers.victrex.com

Victrex values diversity and encourages applications from all
sections of the community.