Plant Manager

DCS Recruitment Limited; Northgate; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading industrial manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Plant / Production Manager to oversee operations at their COMAH site in West Sussex. You will lead a team of around 60, ensuring safety and efficiency, driving continuous improvement, and supporting employee development. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a similar role and a strong focus on HSE. The position offers a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus structure, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Excellent Pension contributions

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Healthcare coverage

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Plant or Production Manager in a COMAH or industrial environment.
• Strong focus on Health, Safety, and Environmental regulations.
• Experience managing trade union negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day production and maintenance operations ensuring safety standards.
• Champion HSE culture and compliance with regulations.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, including unions.

Skills

HSE focus

Leadership skills

Trade union negotiation

Analytical thinking

Team development

Education

HNC/HND in Engineering or related field

Tools

ISO standards

Job description

Overview

Plant / Production Manager - COMAH Manufacturing Site – Crawley, West Sussex. Commutable from London, Reading, Slough, Brighton, Worthing.

Salary: £70,000 - £78,000 + £6k Car Allowance + 10% Bonus + Excellent Pension + Career Progression + Benefits

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Plant / Production Manager to lead operations at a lower-tier COMAH industrial manufacturing site in West Sussex. You will play a key leadership role within a site team of around 60, responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and compliant operations while driving continuous improvement and fostering a high-performing culture.

Our client is a recognised name within the industrial manufacturing sector, known for their strong values and commitment to safety, sustainability, and employee development.

What You\'ll Be Doing

• Lead day-to-day production and maintenance operations on site, ensuring safety, environmental and performance standards are met or exceeded.
• Champion HSE culture, leading by example and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and internal systems (ISO standards, risk assessments, audits).
• Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including direct negotiation and engagement with trade unions.
• Oversee plant performance, resource planning, and infrastructure reliability to ensure consistent delivery to customer and business expectations.
• Drive team development, motivation, and succession planning across a diverse, skilled workforce.
• Lead site safety committees, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement projects across production and site management.
• Manage budgets, KPIs and ensure reporting, compliance and plant standards align with wider business goals.

What You\'ll Bring

• Proven experience as a Plant or Production Manager within a COMAH, chemical, process, or other industrial manufacturing environment.
• Strong Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) focus, with a track record of driving a safety-first culture.
• Experience in managing trade union negotiations and fostering positive industrial relations.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with a track record of engaging and developing teams.
• Strong operational, strategic and analytical thinking - able to balance technical and people leadership.
• HNC / HND or equivalent in Engineering or a related technical field is preferred, but equivalent experience will be considered.
• A NEBOSH qualification would be advantageous - or a willingness to obtain one.

Why Apply?

• Join a reputable and safety-conscious organisation with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.
• Be part of a collaborative and inclusive culture where ideas are welcomed and development is supported.
• Enjoy a comprehensive package including:
  • Competitive salary + bonus + car allowance
  • Excellent employer pension contributions (up to 10.7%)
  • 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) + option to buy extra
  • Healthcare coverage and EAP support
  • Structured learning, training, and progression opportunities

Interested?

We\'re partnering exclusively with this employer to identify the right leader for their West Sussex operations. If you\'re a results-driven production leader with a strong HSE mindset and background in industrial/manufacturing environments, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to discuss this opportunity in more detail - all applications and conversations will be handled in confidence.

Max Carr from DCS Engineering is looking after this role

DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality