Hands-On Plant Manager – Lead Operations & Teams

New Appointments Group; Ashford; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Holiday purchase

Staff discount

Life insurance

Private medical

Company pension

Job summary

New Appointments Group is seeking a Plant Manager in Ashford to lead daily operations of the plant, ensuring products are prepared, processed and dispatched on time. You will manage the production team, set expectations, monitor performance, and implement improvements in efficiency and quality while maintaining Health & Safety standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication, and experience across manufacturing/industrial operations.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a production, manufacturing, engineering or industrial operation.
• Strong people-management skills, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop.
• Hands-on leadership style, with the ability to work alongside and lead from the front.
• Experience managing performance, attendance and day-to-day employee matters.
• Track record of identifying and implementing operational improvements.
• Ability to take ownership of issues, make decisions and provide resolution.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety requirements.
• Exposure to ISO 9001 or similar quality systems would be advantageous.
• Experience of continuous improvement, waste reduction or operational efficiency would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for the day-to-day operation and overall performance of the plant.
• Lead, manage and support the team, providing direction and expectations.
• Ensure products are prepared, processed and dispatched on time, in full.
• Work with the Production Manager to achieve production targets.
• Communicate potential delays, issues or shortages affecting customer orders.
• Monitor performance and take action where targets/standards are not being achieved.
• Manage day-to-day employee matters including performance, attendance and conduct.
• Build a positive culture of accountability, teamwork and clear communication.
• Organise and manage the workforce effectively to meet operational requirements.
• Ensure production records and quality documentation are completed accurately and on time, including quality checks, test records and other required documentation.
• Monitor stock levels and liaise with Purchasing to ensure stock is available.
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency and minimise costs.
• Support and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.
• Ensure employees follow procedures, quality standards and ISO 9001 requirements.
• Support the recruitment, onboarding, training and development of team members.
• Work closely with the management team to resolve operational issues.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Operational leadership

Communication

Health & Safety

ISO 9001 exposure

Job description

New Appointments Group is seeking a Plant Manager in Ashford to lead daily operations of the plant, ensuring products are prepared, processed and dispatched on time. You will manage the production team, set expectations, monitor performance, and implement improvements in efficiency and quality while maintaining Health & Safety standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong communication, and experience across manufacturing/industrial operations.