Plant Manager

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions; Preston; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is seeking an experienced Plant Manager for our Cadley Hill manufacturing site in the UK. You will provide strategic direction to the leadership team and ensure safe, high‑quality, and cost‑effective operations that meet customer needs.

You will lead across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People and Continuous Improvement, balancing day‑to‑day operations with long‑term site development.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in manufacturing or operations.
• Strong track record of delivering operational improvements.
• Experience implementing Lean and continuous improvement programmes.
• Excellent communication and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong, visible leadership across the manufacturing site.
• Own overall site performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost and profitability.
• Maintain high Health, Safety and Environmental standards as a priority.
• Develop and mentor the site leadership team and foster accountability.
• Deliver agreed objectives for safety, quality, delivery, productivity and cost.
• Develop plans to improve operating performance and capacity.
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement across the site.
• Ensure governance, compliance and quality standards are maintained.
• Collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders to meet commitments.
• Support site investment, automation, and development initiatives.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Lean manufacturing

Safety leadership

Commercial and financial awareness

Communication and leadership

Education

Engineering degree or equivalent

Job description

Sista ansökningsdag 2026-11-09

Plats: GBR - Cadley Hill

We are looking for an experienced and inspirational Plant Manager to lead our Cadley Hill manufacturing site.

This is a senior leadership role with overall responsibility for the performance and development of the site. You will provide clear direction to the leadership team, create a positive and accountable working environment, and ensure that we continue to deliver for our customers, employees and wider business.

You will lead across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People and Continuous Improvement, balancing the day-to-day needs of a busy manufacturing operation with the longer-term development of the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing strong, visible leadership across the manufacturing site.
• Taking overall responsibility for site operational and business performance.
• Ensuring Health, Safety and Environmental standards remain a fundamental priority.
• Leading and developing the site leadership team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Delivering agreed business objectives for safety, quality, customer delivery, productivity, cost and profitability.
• Developing and implementing plans to improve operational performance and manufacturing capability.
• Driving operational excellence through Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Ensuring appropriate standards of quality, compliance and operational governance are maintained.
• Working closely with customers and internal stakeholders to ensure expectations and commitments are delivered.
• Developing organisational capability through effective succession planning, employee development and skills improvement.
• Supporting investment, automation, capacity and site-development initiatives.
• Building a positive workplace culture that encourages employee engagement, teamwork, improvement and high performance.
• Representing the Cadley Hill site within the wider Trelleborg organisation.

About You

We are looking for a proven manufacturing leader who can combine strategic thinking with visible, hands‑on leadership.

You Will Ideally Have

• Significant leadership experience within manufacturing or operations.
• Experience of managing a complex manufacturing operation, preferably within aerospace, automotive or another regulated industry.
• A strong track record of delivering improvements in operational performance.
• Good commercial and financial awareness.
• Experience of leading and developing multidisciplinary teams.
• A strong understanding of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication, leadership and decision‑making skills.
• The ability to build effective relationships at all levels, from the shop floor through to senior leadership and customers.
• A relevant degree, technical qualification or equivalent practical experience would be advantageous.

The Leadership Style We Value

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• Leads by example and maintains a strong presence across the factory.
• Puts safety and people at the heart of decision‑making.
• Sets clear expectations and creates accountability.
• Communicates openly and honestly.
• Develops people and encourages teamwork.
• Makes sound and timely decisions.
• Challenges constructively and follows through on commitments.
• Combines strategic thinking with a practical understanding of manufacturing operations.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to lead and develop an established manufacturing site, work with a talented team and influence the future direction and performance of the Cadley Hill operation.

The role is predominantly based at Cadley Hill, with occasional travel to other Trelleborg sites, customers or suppliers according to business requirements.

General: This advert provides a broad overview of the role. Responsibilities may develop to reflect changing business needs and organisational priorities.