Plant Manager

Apex Resource Management Ltd; Coventry; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Resource Management Ltd in Coventry seeks an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations in a highly specialised aerospace manufacturing environment. You will take full accountability for site performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and people development, ensuring operational excellence and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Reporting into divisional leadership with matrix responsibility across a global manufacturing value stream, you will drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering, industrial management, business or related field.
• Proven experience leading manufacturing or production operations in a complex engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing systems and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing direct and indirect teams in a manufacturing facility.
• Experience with budgeting and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to meet objectives.
• Develop and implement future state operational plans for growth and improvements.
• Ensure site infrastructure and equipment operate safely and in compliance with regulations.
• Drive HSE performance and a strong safety culture.
• Lead Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop production plans to meet delivery schedules and targets.
• Drive productivity, labour efficiency and cost reduction projects.
• Maintain accurate inventory levels and optimize stock.
• Lead quality improvement activities to reduce scrap and warranty returns.
• Collaborate across functions to resolve operational and external quality issues.
• Manage departmental budgets and operational expenditure.
• Support investment projects and new process integration.
• Lead employee engagement, development and succession planning.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Leadership

Budget management

Change management

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Industrial Management/Business

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Role: Plant Manager

Location: Coventry

Permanent

Salary: To be discussed on application

Role Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations within a highly specialised aerospace manufacturing environment. The Plant Manager will take full accountability for site performance across safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and people development, ensuring operational excellence and continuous improvement throughout the facility.

Reporting into divisional leadership with matrix responsibility across a global manufacturing value stream, the Plant Manager will drive strategic growth, operational efficiency, lean manufacturing initiatives, and cultural development. The Plant Manager will play a critical role in delivering business objectives while ensuring compliance, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement across the site.

Role & Responsibilities of a Plant Manager

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

Requirements Of the Plant Manager

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Industrial Management, Business, or equivalent qualification
• Previous 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