Plant Manager

JR United Kingdom; Watford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global manufacturer is seeking a General Manager for their UK site. This role demands a dynamic leader skilled in operational management and team engagement, ensuring a culture of safety and efficiency. Ideal candidates will have a strong educational background and relevant industrial experience, alongside the emotional intelligence to lead a diverse workforce effectively. A competitive salary and career progression plan await the successful applicant.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

5–10-year career progression plan

Supportive senior leadership team

Qualifications

• Degree-educated with experience in leading complex manufacturing sites.
• IOSH qualified and strong strategic instincts.
• People-centered leadership style with a focus on clean and safe environments.

Responsibilities

• Full operational responsibility for the site, overseeing production and quality.
• Engage and develop a large team across multiple functions.
• Drive efficiency and ensure continuous improvement in manufacturing performance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Emotional Intelligence

Operational Management

Team Development

Education

Degree in relevant field

IOSH qualification

Job description

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Are you a dynamic leader with energy to burn and the emotional intelligence to motivate a diverse workforce?

We’re looking for a General Manager to take the reins of a major UK site for a global manufacturing group. You’ll have full site responsibility – leading a team of up to 200, driving operational performance, and creating a culture of structure, efficiency, and high engagement.

This is a fast-moving, high-accountability role for someone who balances intelligence with likability, you’ll lead with empathy, communicate with clarity, and run a tight ship.

About You

• In-line with the rest of the SLT, you’ll ideally be degree-educated and experienced in leading complex manufacturing or industrial sites
• You’ll be IOSH qualified
• Naturally proactive, not reactive with strong strategic instincts and a hands-on approach
• You’ll be a big believer in clean, structured and safe environments – you like a tidy factory that reflects pride in the work
• As a people’s person, you’ll be inclusive, adaptable, and open-minded in a rapidly evolving world
• Known for balancing commercial sense with people-centred leadership
• Happy to travel occasionally to the US and Germany to stay connected globally
• A team-first leader who understands that strong results come from shared ownership and accountability

About the role

• Full operational responsibility for a large UK site – production, quality, engineering, H&S, maintenance
• Lead, engage and develop a large and diverse team across multiple functions
• Ensure manufacturing performance is measured, structured, and continuously improving
• Drive efficiency and order, from workflow to cleanliness and process
• Represent the site with confidence both internally and internationally
• Create a culture of accountability, organisation, and calm under pressure

What You’ll Get:

• Highly competitive salary (DOE)
• Clear 5–10-year career progression plan
• Chance to join a supportive, values-led senior leadership team
• A genuinely action-packed, rewarding role where your influence will be seen and felt

This role has come up due to internal promotion, a reflection of the company’s commitment to growing leaders from within.

• A global manufacturer
• Highly respected in their field
• Growing due to acquisition
• Fantastic company culture

If you’ve got what it takes to run a world-class shop floor with clarity, consistency, and care, get in touch with Lucy Bailey today on 0161 883 2126 for a confidential chat.