Vacancy Detail
Continuous Improvement Engineer
Talent STEM have been retained by a COMAH regulated chemical manufacturing business to appoint a Continuous Improvement Engineer for a site based role focused on driving operational performance, process optimisation and data led improvement initiatives.
This position is ideal for a Chemical Engineer who enjoys working close to plant operations and using data, process understanding and engineering judgement to improve efficiency, reliability and throughput in a complex chemical manufacturing environment.
The role
You will lead continuous improvement activities across a COMAH regulated production site, using process modelling, operational data and engineering analysis to identify opportunities for improvement and deliver practical changes to plant performance.
The position combines process engineering, operational analysis and project implementation, working closely with production, engineering and EHS teams to deliver measurable improvements across the site.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading site continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, reliability, yield and operational efficiency
- Analysing plant performance data and developing OEE models to identify improvement opportunities across production systems
- Using process modelling tools to understand and optimise existing chemical processes
- Developing business cases for improvement projects based on data analysis and operational performance trends
- Managing and implementing plant modifications and improvements through Management of Change processes
- Identifying opportunities to improve plant layout, process control strategies and equipment performance
- Supporting production and engineering teams with technical expertise on process improvement initiatives
- Ensuring all improvements are delivered in line with COMAH, process safety and regulatory requirements
- Supporting site engagement with external regulatory authorities where required
The role provides the opportunity to lead meaningful operational improvements on a complex chemical processing site, where engineering insight and data driven decision making directly impact plant performance.
About you
You will be a Chemical Engineer with experience working in a COMAH or high hazard chemical manufacturing environment and a strong interest in improving plant performance through structured continuous improvement activities.
You will be comfortable working with operational data, identifying opportunities for improvement and leading projects that deliver measurable operational benefits.
Key requirements:
- Degree qualified in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline
- Experience working in COMAH or high hazard chemical manufacturing environments
- Proven experience leading continuous improvement or process optimisation projects
- Strong understanding and practical use of OEE and production performance analysis
- Experience using data to identify improvement opportunities and build engineering solutions
- Knowledge of process safety and hazard identification methods such as HAZOP, LOPA or ALARP
- Ability to manage plant changes through Management of Change processes
- Strong communication skills with the ability to work across production, engineering and EHS teams
Why apply
This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of continuous improvement across a technically complex chemical manufacturing site. You will play a key role in improving operational performance, influencing plant design and delivering meaningful engineering improvements in a COMAH regulated environment.
For a confidential discussion, contact Talent STEM.
Talent STEM is a specialist recruitment consultancy supporting the scientific, engineering, clinical, chemical, pharmaceutical, FMCG, environmental, biotechnology and medical device sectors.
Location: Cheshire | Salary: £50000 - £70000 per year | Job type: Permanent | Posted: 04/03/2026
