Plant General Manager

VPK Group; Selby; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car or car allowance

15% annual bonus opportunity

Executive pension scheme – 9.5%

BUPA private medical cover

Income Protection cover

Critical Illness cover

Death in Service benefit – 4 x basic</

Salary range bonus

Job summary

VPK Packaging - UK & Ireland seeks an experienced Plant General Manager to own day-to-day operations at the Selby site. You will drive profitability, safety, quality and customer service while leading a large, multi-disciplinary team across manufacturing, engineering, planning, logistics and warehousing.

You will implement operational strategies, monitor KPIs, and champion continuous improvement. A degree in engineering, manufacturing or commerce and Lean Six Sigma qualifications are preferred;

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in a large, multi-shift manufacturing site.
• Proven track record in delivering financial performance, cost control and profitability improvements.
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing P&L and working with ERP systems (SAP).

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing, engineering, planning, logistics, warehousing and HSE for the site.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve productivity and quality.
• Establish KPIs, drive accountability and improvements across departments.
• Ensure safety, quality, regulatory compliance and customer service standards.
• Drive lean initiatives to reduce waste and maximise efficiency.
• Oversee production planning, maintenance and transport efficiency.
• Develop leadership, coaching, succession planning and performance management.
• Collaborate with commercial teams and customers to support growth.

Skills

Senior leadership

Lean manufacturing

P&L management

ERP systems

KPIs and performance management

People development

Stakeholder engagement

Problem solving

Customer focus

Education

Engineering/Manufacturing/Commerce degree

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or CI qualification

Tools

SAP

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Plant General Manager to assume full operational responsibility for a well-established manufacturing site. Leading a large team, you will drive operational excellence, profitability, business performance and a culture of continuous improvement.

VPK Packaging - UK & Ireland is looking to appoint an inspirational leader who combines strong commercial acumen with a genuine passion for people, operational excellence and continuous improvement to lead our Selby manufacturing operation.

With an annual turnover of approximately £53 million and a workforce of around 180 employees, this is a significant leadership opportunity within a fast-paced, multi-shift manufacturing environment.

Overseeing manufacturing, engineering, planning, logistics, warehousing, quality and health, safety & environment, the successful candidate will be responsible for delivering operational performance, developing high-performing teams and ensuring the site continues to meet the highest standards of safety, quality and customer service.

The Role

As Plant General Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day operation and longer-term strategic development of the site.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Lead, motivate and develop the workforce across manufacturing, engineering, planning, logistics, warehousing, quality and health & safety.
• Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, company procedures and health & safety standards.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to improve productivity, efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Establish and monitor clear operational KPIs, driving accountability and measurable improvements across all departments.
• Ensure the site maintains all relevant accreditations and certifications, consistently meeting customer, quality, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve machine performance and maximise operational efficiency.
• Oversee production planning, engineering performance, warehouse operations and transport efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to improve labour utilisation, manufacturing costs and overall profitability.
• Work closely with commercial teams and key customers to support business growth and maintain excellent service levels.
• Develop a strong leadership team through coaching, succession planning, training and performance management.
• Promote a positive, collaborative and accountable culture where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and drive improvements.

About You

We are looking for a proven manufacturing leader who has successfully managed a sizeable, fast-paced production operation and understands how to balance commercial performance with operational excellence.

Ideally, you will have:

• Significant senior leadership experience within manufacturing, ideally as a Plant General Manager, General Manager, Site Director, Operations Director or similar.
• A strong background in lean manufacturing, preferably within the packaging or corrugated industry.
• Proven experience managing a large, multi-disciplinary workforce within a multi-shift manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable experience managing a manufacturing P&L, with a strong track record of delivering financial performance, cost control and profitability improvements.
• A successful track record of delivering operational improvements, organisational change and continuous improvement programmes.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing KPIs, including productivity, waste, downtime, labour efficiency and quality performance.
• Excellent leadership and people development skills, with the ability to engage, influence and motivate teams at all levels.
• Experience working with ERP systems, ideally SAP.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to make commercially sound decisions.
• A customer-focused approach and the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

A degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing or Commerce would be advantageous, along with formal Continuous Improvement or Lean Six Sigma qualifications, ideally Black Belt.

Most importantly, we're looking for a visible, approachable and results-driven leader who is comfortable being hands-on within the operation while maintaining a clear strategic focus.

Salary & Benefits

In addition to a competitive executive remuneration package, we offer an excellent range of benefits, including:

• Company car or car allowance
• 15% annual bonus opportunity, dependent on achievement of agreed KPIs
• Executive pension scheme – 9.5% employer contribution
• BUPA private medical cover
• Income Protection cover
• Critical Illness cover
• Death in Service benefit – 4 x basic annual salary