Plant Manager

W Talent; Falkirk; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent manufacturing business in Falkirk seeks a Plant Manager to oversee operations and drive improvements. The ideal candidate will have at least 7 years of leadership experience in a heavy manufacturing environment, a background in engineering, and a strong safety mindset. This role offers a competitive salary of £85,000 to £100,000 along with a company car and a benefits package. You will be responsible for maintaining high standards of efficiency, quality, and safety while managing a team of over 100 people.

Benefits

Company car

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years' leadership experience in heavy or process manufacturing.
• Experience managing full plant performance.
• Strong understanding of automation and production processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational activities to achieve maximum production efficiency.
• Promote a culture of Health & Safety excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean initiatives.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing

Continuous improvement

Health & Safety management

Operational strategy

Team management

Education

Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering

Tools

Six Sigma

Job description

Overview

W Talent Manufacturing are working in partnership with a heavy engineering and process industry manufacturing business based in Falkirk, Scotland. Our customer is looking for a Plant Manager to take ownership of the facility and drive substantial improvements. This fantastic manufacturing business produces innovative, high‑quality products for a diverse range of industrial markets. With a long‑standing heritage and a strong reputation for technical excellence and product innovation, the business is entering an ambitious new phase of growth and transformation.

Role

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading all operational activities at the Falkirk manufacturing facility to achieve maximum production efficiency, reliability and quality while maintaining the highest standards of health and safety. The role ensures operational excellence across people, processes and performance, delivering continuous improvement and securing plant capacity and future growth.

Key Responsibilities

Health, Safety & Sustainability

• Promote a culture of Health & Safety excellence across all plant operations.
• Ensure full compliance with safety legislation, company standards and environmental obligations.
• Lead sustainability improvements and ensure appropriate risk management, training and communication practices.

Operational Management

• Lead and manage all functional departments across the plant including Production, Maintenance, Engineering, Logistics and Quality.
• Ensure efficient resource planning (people, equipment, materials and budget) to meet production, cost and service targets.
• Monitor operational costs and manage capital, maintenance and overhead expenditure.
• Manage supplier and contractor relationships to support operational performance.

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Define, monitor and report key operational KPIs for productivity, efficiency, cost, quality and safety.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean initiatives across the plant to increase performance, reliability and capacity.
• Lead and coordinate industrial and capital projects in collaboration with engineering and operations teams.

People Leadership & Engagement

• Maintain a positive working environment and constructive employee relations.
• Support workforce development through performance management, coaching, skills development and succession planning.
• Lead negotiations and manage relationships with employee representatives as required.

Regulatory & Governance

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, permits and quality standards.
• Represent the plant with local authorities, agencies and stakeholders as required.

Experience & Qualifications

• A Safety‑first mentality is a must.
• A degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent technical qualification with extensive industrial experience.
• Minimum 7 years' leadership experience in a heavy or process manufacturing environment.
• Experience in managing full plant financial and operational performance.
• A Six Sigma qualification would be advantageous.
• Managed a site structure with over 100 people.
• Exposure to delivering capital investment plans and project delivery is advantageous.
• Experience with in a matrix style structure.
• Demonstrated success in driving operational improvement and leading multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong understanding of automation, plant engineering and production processes.

What’s on Offer?

• Base salary of £85,000 – £100,000.
• Company car and benefits package.
• The opportunity to lead a respected and innovative manufacturing business through its next stage of strategic development.