Aerospace Plant Manager: Lead Lean Operations & Growth

Ashby Finance; Coventry; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashby Finance is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead aerospace manufacturing operations in Coventry. You will be accountable for safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and people development, delivering excellence and continuous improvement across the site.

Reporting to divisional leadership with matrix responsibility across a global value stream, the role drives lean manufacturing, strategic growth, and regulatory compliance, while ensuring customer satisfaction and employee

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, Business, or equivalent qualification.
• Experience leading manufacturing or production operations within a complex engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing systems, tools, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience managing direct and indirect teams within a manufacturing facility.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, furnace operations, assembly, and chemical/gas processing methods preferred.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and change management skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience managing operational budgets and driving site performance metrics.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.
• Customer-focused with the ability to influence and engage teams at all levels.
• Flexible approach with willingness to travel domestically and internationally when required.

Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day manufacturing operations across the facility to achieve operational and strategic business objectives
• Develop and implement future state operational plans to support business growth and process improvements
• Ensure all site infrastructure, equipment, emergency systems, and facilities operate safely and in compliance with regulations
• Drive HSE performance and maintain a strong safety culture across all plant operations
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the site
• Develop production plans to meet customer delivery schedules and operational targets
• Drive productivity improvements, labour efficiency, and cost reduction projects
• Ensure inventory accuracy and optimal stock levels are maintained
• Lead quality improvement activities to reduce scrap and warranty returns
• Collaborate cross-functionally to resolve operational and external quality issues
• Manage departmental budgets and operational expenditure effectively
• Support investment projects, new process integration, and manufacturing development initiatives
• Lead employee engagement, communication, development, and succession planning activities
• Coach and develop teams to ensure skills, competencies, and capabilities align with business needs
• Ensure compliance standards and regulatory maintenance activities are fully maintained

Skills

Lean Manufacturing

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cost control

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Ashby Finance is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead aerospace manufacturing operations in Coventry. You will be accountable for safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and people development, delivering excellence and continuous improvement across the site.

Reporting to divisional leadership with matrix responsibility across a global value stream, the role drives lean manufacturing, strategic growth, and regulatory compliance, while ensuring customer satisfaction and employee