Site Director at Innospec

The Company 

Innospec is a leading global speciality chemicals manufacturer that provides technology-based solutions to improve a particular manufacturing process or the performance of a finished product. With 2,100 employees in 25 countries, the company has 13 manufacturing plants across Europe and North America, delivering annual sales of ∼$2bn. 

Its Ellesmere Port plant is based on an 87-acre site and is an upper-tier COMAH facility. With extensive R&D and laboratory facilities, this site is also an important location for some of its global corporate leadership team, and its support functions. Primarily a synthesis plant that also does blending, Ellesmere Port has an output of 30KT to 40KT per annum and produces key ingredients for its Fuel Specialties and Performance Chemicals divisions. 

The Role 

The role of Site Director, has overall responsibility for the site and its infrastructure. Whilst the corporate functions and R&D teams located here will have their own functional reporting lines, the Site Director is seen as the figurehead for the location. 

With the current Site Director for Ellesmere Port due to retire, Innospec approached Berwick Partners to find his successor, having previously appointed their current European Manufacturing Director, through a confidential executive search.  

The Search 

With a search process that focused on senior Manufacturing leaders, with experience of leading a top-tier COMAH chemicals manufacturing plant, we presented a shortlist that offered a choice of candidates with the necessary technical understanding, leadership gravitas, and ambition to further their career within the organisation. The successful candidate, who also offers a strong international and broad cultural understanding, has proven to be the ideal appointment. 

The Client 

‘Jonathan and the team have supported us on a number of recruits over the years, and more recently for a Site Director Role. I’m impressed with how Jonathan has partnered with our company and gained a great insight into both the technical and cultural requirements to develop a great candidate shortlist, culminating in our most recent successful recruitment. Great communication with regular updates, the process was smooth and quick, exceeding my expectations. Look forward to working with Jonathan and the team on any future requirements, and would not hesitate in recommending.’ 

European Manufacturing Director

Innospec