Plant Manager

New Appointments Group Ltd; Ashford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

20 days annual leave

Bank holidays

Staff discount

Life insurance

Private medical

Company pension

Job summary

New Appointments Group Ltd is seeking a capable Operations Leader to manage the day-to-day operation of the plant in Ashford. This role requires leading a team, ensuring timely production, and driving continuous improvement in a busy manufacturing environment.

You will oversee performance, safety, and quality documentation, while coordinating with Purchasing and management to meet targets and deadlines. A hands-on leadership style and strong communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing a production/manufacturing/industrial operation.
• Strong people-management and coaching abilities.
• Hands-on leader who works from the front with the team.
• Experience handling performance, attendance and day-to-day employee matters.
• Track record of implementing operational improvements.
• Ability to own issues, decide and resolve effectively.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills to manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation and overall plant performance.
• Lead, manage and support the team with clear direction.
• Ensure products are prepared, processed and dispatched on time, in full.
• Collaborate with Production Manager to achieve targets.
• Communicate delays or shortages affecting customer orders.
• Monitor performance and drive corrective actions as needed.
• Handle day-to-day employee matters including performance and conduct.
• Foster accountability, teamwork and clear communication culture.
• Organise the workforce to meet operational needs.
• Maintain production records and quality documentation accurately.

Skills

People management

Hands-on leadership

Communication

Health & Safety

ISO 9001 knowledge

Continuous improvement

Production operations

Job description

Location: Ashford (must be a driver and have your own vehicle due to location)

Salary: up to £45,000

Hours: Monday to Friday + alternate Saturdays during peak

Key responsibilities would be:

• 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.

Experience and skills required:

• Experience managing a production, manufacturing, engineering or industrial operation.
• Strong people-management skills, with the ability to motivate, coach and develop.
• A 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.
• A track record of identifying and implementing operational improvements.
• The 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.
• A 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.20 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Staff discount on products
• Life insurance
• Private medical
• Company pension

New Appointments Group, Expertly Matching Employers and Jobseekers since 1975.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in line with the Equality Act 2010. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. New Appointments Group acts as an Employment Agency for permanent roles and as an Employment Business for temporary roles.