Plant Manager

The Whittan Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whittan Group in Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead our manufacturing operation. You will report to the Chief Operations Officer and oversee the plant's performance, ensuring safe, efficient production that meets quality standards and budgetary targets.

This senior leadership role demands a strong focus on QCD, Lean improvements, and developing a high-performance team across Production, Planning, Logistics, Quality and Maintenance.

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
• Strong track record in improving Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD).
• Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing budgets and KPIs.
• Knowledge of steel/industrial manufacturing is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the plant management team.
• Drive performance across production, planning, logistics, quality and maintenance.
• Set objectives and performance standards to meet business goals.
• Foster accountability and continuous improvement across the site.
• Ensure products meet quality standards and customer delivery commitments.
• Lead Lean initiatives and drive efficiency and capacity improvements.
• Manage operating budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Lean manufacturing

Budget management

Quality & delivery metrics

ERP/MRP systems

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Manufacturing/Engineering

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Monday - Thursday: 07:30 - 16:30 | Friday: 08:00 - 13:30

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Plant Manager to lead our manufacturing operation in Milton Keynes. Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the plant, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, on time, to the required quality standards, and within budget.

Milton Keynes
Full time
Permanent

Plant Manager

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Plant Manager to lead our manufacturing operation in Milton Keynes. Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the plant, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, on time, to the required quality standards, and within budget.

This is a senior leadership position with accountability for Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD) performance across Production, Planning, Scheduling, Logistics, Quality and Maintenance functions. You'll play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and the development of a high-performing manufacturing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the plant management team.
• Drive operational performance across Production, Logistics, Planning, Quality and Maintenance.
• Set clear objectives and performance standards to deliver business goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Ensure products consistently meet customer and company quality standards.
• Drive improvements in Right First-Time performance and reduce waste, scrap and rework.
• Manage operating budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure customer delivery commitments are achieved through effective production planning and execution.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives across the site.
• Improve efficiency, productivity and capacity utilisation.
• Establish robust operating procedures and performance measures.
• Drive measurable improvements in quality, cost and delivery performance.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the plant.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies and safe systems of work.
• Work closely with the Health & Safety team to implement improvements and corrective actions.

Essential

• Proven experience managing a manufacturing plant or large-scale manufacturing operation.
• Strong leadership experience across multiple operational functions.
• Background within engineering, steel, or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of Quality, Cost and Delivery performance metrics.
• Experience managing manufacturing budgets and KPIs.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.

Desirable

• Experience within the pallet racking or storage equipment industry.
• Knowledge of steel fabrication, roll forming and welding processes.
• Lean Six Sigma qualification.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 environment.
• Knowledge of SEMA standards.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a strong and visible leader who is commercially focused, data-driven, and passionate about developing people and improving processes. You'll be a decisive decision-maker with excellent communication skills and a commitment to achieving operational excellence.

Our Values

Adaptability - Open to change, resilient under pressure, and able to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Collaboration - Work effectively with others, value diverse perspectives, and contribute to a positive team culture.

Trusted - Act with integrity, deliver on commitments, and build confidence through transparency and reliability.

Be part of a market-leading business where you'll have the opportunity to shape plant performance, lead high-performing teams, and drive meaningful improvements that contribute to business success.

If you have the experience and drive to lead a high-performing logistics operation and are looking for your next challenge in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.