Plant Manager

Trades Workforce Solutions; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing solutions company in the United Kingdom seeks a Plant Manager to lead operational excellence and strategic direction at the plant. This role demands significant experience in Production or Commercial Management, with a strong background in guiding teams to achieve results. The ideal candidate will emphasize safety, sustainable practices, and continuous improvement, while supporting professional development across the workforce. Competitive compensation and a supportive workplace culture are part of the offer.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a Production or Commercial Management role.
• 3-5 years in a senior leadership position within manufacturing or industrial operations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a complex production environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations to achieve business objectives in line with group strategy.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
• Uphold health, safety, and sustainability standards in daily operations.
• Define and monitor performance targets across functional areas.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Performance management

Negotiation

Problem-solving

People development

Excellent communication

Organisational skills

Education

Degree in Engineering, Economics, Business, or a related discipline

Job description

Role Purpose:

Lead the plant’s operations to deliver both short- and long-term business objectives in line with group strategy.

The Plant Manager will be responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and sustainable operations while fostering a culture

of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Uphold and promote all company standards in health & safety, environmental sustainability, quality, and quality assurance, ensuring they are embedded into daily plant operations.
• Collaborate with senior management to define the plant’s strategic direction and ensure alignment with regional and group objectives.
• Translate broader business strategies into clear, actionable operational goals for all departments.
• Define and monitor performance targets across functional areas, taking corrective actions when required to achieve business outcomes.
• Ensure corporate systems, policies, and best practices are consistently applied across the plant.
• Identify, recommend, and oversee annual capital projects, ensuring timely delivery and return on investment.
• Prepare annual budgets and forecasts for approval, maintaining strong cost control and operational efficiency throughout the year.
• Build a positive workplace culture that encourages teamwork, personal accountability, and professional growth.
• Lead management development programmes and support ongoing training for all plant employees.
• Conduct annual performance reviews and champion individual development planning.
• Maintain strong, long-term relationships with key customers, ensuring service excellence and contract fulfilment.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to ensure customer requirements are met efficiently and consistently.
• Oversee the full implementation and adherence to Quality Management Systems and company procedures.
• Establish and track KPIs for management teams to ensure alignment with overall plant and business goals.
• Represent the business in all operational, regulatory, and institutional matters related to the plant.

Candidate Profile:

Education:

• Degree in Engineering, Economics, Business, or a related discipline.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a Production or Commercial Management role.
• 3–5 years in a senior leadership position, ideally within manufacturing or industrial operations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams within a complex production environment.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong background in strategic planning, leadership, and performance management.
• Skilled in negotiation, problem-solving, and people development.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with a results-driven mindset.