Senior Process Engineer – Contract Role Location: Cheshire, UK
Contract Type: Inside IR35 
Duration: 12 months 
Working Pattern: 5 days/week on-site 

Are you an experienced Chartered Chemical Engineer with over 15 years of expertise in process engineering? Do you have a proven track record of managing high-hazard installations and leading technical teams? A leading chemical manufacturing company is seeking a seasoned Senior Process Engineer to take on a critical leadership role at one of its major UK sites.

About the Role This senior-level position is pivotal to ensuring Basis of Safety compliance and driving technical excellence for high-hazard assets, including pipelines and COMAH installations.

As a key leader, you will:

• Provide Technical Leadership: Direct the site's technical team, ensuring world-class SHE standards and effective implementation of technical improvements.
• Manage Team & Projects: Oversee a team of experienced process engineers, development scientists, and contractors, driving operational and technical advancements to meet business and manufacturing objectives.
• Act as PE Design Authority: Ensure all process engineering work adheres to legislation and internal standards.
• Collaborate Across Stakeholders: Work with cross-functional teams, regulatory authorities, and external stakeholders to influence decision-making at all levels, including executive leadership.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Develop and sustain technical expertise to optimize current operations and support the development of future assets.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement asset strategies aligned with business and manufacturing goals.
• Lead manufacturing improvement projects to deliver SHE, production, and cost objectives.
• Maintain compliance with safety regulations and other legal requirements.
• Guide technical activities to ensure optimal performance of assets and alignment with industry best practices.
• Act as a subject-matter expert and provide consultancy across global operations.

Requirements

• Chartered Chemical Engineer with extensive industry experience (15 years) in senior process engineering roles.
• Deep expertise in process design, troubleshooting, and plant operations in high-hazard environments.
• Strong understanding of technical SHE leadership and experience with safety regulations.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex projects under tight budget/resource constraints.
• Experience engaging with regulatory authorities and other external stakeholders.

Why Join? This is a major asset within a global portfolio, operating as a Top Tier COMAH installation. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead technical excellence, influence strategic decisions, and drive innovation at a highly significant site.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.