Operations Plant Manager

KinTec Recruitment Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Operations Plant Manager to oversee production operations in West Sussex. This hands-on leadership role requires a motivated individual with a background in food, chemical, or oil and gas industries. You will lead daily operations, ensuring safety and efficiency while fostering a collaborative team culture. Your expertise in Health and Safety practices will be crucial as you drive continuous improvement initiatives and inspire your team to achieve operational excellence. If you are a proactive problem-solver with strong decision-making skills, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a production or operations role.
• Strong knowledge of Health and Safety practices, including ISO standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily plant operations focusing on safety and performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency.
• Champion SHEQ standards through active leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Health and Safety Practices

Continuous Improvement

Communication

Problem-Solving

Education

HNC or HND in a relevant discipline

NEBOSH General Certificate

Job description

Operations Plant Manager - West Sussex

A leading industrial manufacturer is seeking a motivated and experienced Operations Plant Manager to oversee production operations at a key UK site in West Sussex. This role is ideal for candidates from food, chemical, water, plastics, recycling, or oil and gas backgrounds.

This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring the site operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably. You will play a key part in shaping team culture, driving operational performance, and embedding continuous improvement practices across the plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily plant operations with a focus on safety, performance, and reliability

• Build and maintain a collaborative, results-driven team culture

• Oversee all aspects of production, maintenance, and resource management

• Champion SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality) standards through active leadership, audits, and training

• Lead safety committees and ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements

• Inspire and develop operational teams to reach their full potential through coaching and performance management

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve process control

• Take full ownership of site infrastructure, security, assets, and emergency systems

About You

• HNC or HND in a relevant discipline, or equivalent industry experience

• Proven leadership experience in a production or operations role within an industrial environment

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence at all levels

• Strong working knowledge of Health and Safety practices, including ISO standards

• Demonstrated success in leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering operational targets

• Proactive problem-solver with strong decision-making abilities under pressure

• NEBOSH General Certificate preferred, or willingness to work towards it