Plant Manager

Whittan Industrial Limited; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Whittan Industrial Limited in Milton Keynes is seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead the manufacturing operation and ensure safety, efficiency and on-time delivery. You will report to the Chief Operations Officer and be accountable for Quality, Cost and Delivery across Production, Planning, Scheduling, Logistics, Quality and Maintenance.

This senior leadership role requires driving operational excellence, continuous improvement and building a high-performing manufacturing team while

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or degree in manufacturing, engineering or operations management.
• Full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the plant management team.
• Drive performance across production, planning, logistics, quality and maintenance.
• Set objectives and performance standards to achieve business goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Ensure products meet customer and company quality standards.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Data-driven decision making

Operational excellence

Budget & cost control

Problem solving

Commercial awareness

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Operations Management

Full UK Driving Licence

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.

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.
• 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.
• Experience within the pallet racking or storage equipment industry.
• Knowledge of steel fabrication, roll forming and welding processes.
• 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.