Aerospace Plant Manager: Lean Operations Leader

TipTopJob; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

TipTopJob in Coventry seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations in a highly specialised aerospace manufacturing environment. You will take full accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and people development, ensuring excellence across the site.

You will drive strategic growth, lean manufacturing, and cultural development, reporting to divisional leadership with matrix responsibility across a global value stream.

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 objectives.
• Develop and implement future state operational plans to support growth and process improvements.
• Ensure site infrastructure, equipment, and facilities operate safely and in compliance with regulations.
• Drive HSE performance and maintain a strong safety culture across plant operations.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the site.
• Develop production plans to meet customer delivery schedules and targets.
• Drive productivity improvements, labour efficiency, and cost reduction projects.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and optimal stock levels.
• Lead quality improvement activities to reduce scrap and 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 align skills with business needs.
• Ensure compliance standards and regulatory maintenance activities are fully maintained.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Change Management

Stakeholder Management

Budget Management

Project Management

Communication

Safety & Regulatory

Team Development

Manufacturing Strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

TipTopJob in Coventry seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations in a highly specialised aerospace manufacturing environment. You will take full accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and people development, ensuring excellence across the site.

You will drive strategic growth, lean manufacturing, and cultural development, reporting to divisional leadership with matrix responsibility across a global value stream.