Plant Manager (m/f)

Ampacet Corporation; Telford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global masterbatch solutions provider is seeking a Plant Manager in Telford. The successful candidate will lead the manufacturing site, ensuring production quality and efficiency. Responsibilities include overseeing operations, driving continuous improvement, and collaborating with suppliers. Ideal applicants have at least 5 years in a similar role and are within commuting distance of Telford, with strong leadership skills and a degree in Engineering or Manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in operational leadership role, preferably in plastics or chemical industry.
• Strong hands-on leadership and people management skills.
• Proven experience in driving change and improving performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily plant operations and ensure compliance with standards.
• Provide visible leadership and uphold safety culture.
• Collaborate with teams to optimize production planning.
• Negotiate with suppliers for optimal cost and quality.

Skills

Operational leadership

Problem-solving

People management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Customer centricity

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or Manufacturing

Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1937, the Ampacet Corporation is a global leader in delivering innovative and high performance masterbatch solutions that enhance plastic products across industries such as packaging, healthcare, transportation, durable goods, electrical and electronics. Ampacet also manufactures a proprietary line of innovative machinery and feeders for the plastics industry to improve efficiencies in plastics manufacturing.

Headquartered in Tarrytown, New York, Ampacet operates 21 manufacturing sites, including four technical and color development centers, across 17 countries in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. With over 2,000 employees, Ampacet’s global teams provide technical expertise, analytical support, precise color matching, and on-site collaboration to drive innovation.

At Ampacet, we are committed to hiring, developing and empowering those who live our values: Safety & Sustainability, Diversity, Accountability and Innovation. These values are the foundation of our culture and reflect the attributes we expect of every employee.

Consistent with our value of Diversity, we do not discriminate against an applicant on the basis of age, sex, race, color, creed, religion, ethnicity, national origin or citizenship, disability, marital status or any other legally recognized protected basis under the applicable local laws or regulations.

What You Will Do

As Plant Manager, you will report to the Manufacturing Director EMEA. In this capacity, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and development of the Ampacet UK manufacturing site. This role ensures that all production, quality, maintenance, and logistics operations meet business objectives in safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people development. Your most critical deliverables for this role are:

• Oversee and coordinate all daily plant operations — including production, maintenance, quality, warehousing, and QSE — ensuring that all activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with company standards, environmental policies, and legal regulations;
• Provide strong, visible, and hands‑on leadership on the shop floor, promoting a culture of safety, engagement, and accountability while maintaining high morale and operational discipline;
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and structured problem‑solving to enhance quality, productivity, and equipment reliability. Monitor and analyze key performance indicators, address performance gaps, and drive sustainable improvements using data analytics and digital tools;
• Collaborate closely with European Engineering, Supply Chain, and local suppliers to optimize production planning, secure raw materials, minimize downtime, and guarantee reliable, cost‑effective delivery;
• Negotiate and establish contractual arrangements with suppliers to ensure optimal cost, quality, and reliability in line with company standards;
• Represent Ampacet as a trusted leader within the local community, fostering positive relationships with employees, unions as applicable, government agencies, and other stakeholders. Remain informed about developments in regulation, labor law, and industrial trends that may affect plant operations, and proactively communicate relevant insights and recommendations to the Manufacturing Director EMEA.

Who You Are

Your colleagues describe you as a plant leader who takes full accountability for operational performance, engages teams with professionalism and respect, and consistently brings a strong business‑driven mindset to improving results. In addition, you also have:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years in a similar operational leadership role, preferably in the plastics, masterbatch, or chemical industry in the UK.
• Strong hands‑on leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making ability.
• Proven experience in driving change and improving performance.
• Awareness of UK employment legislation.
• Negotiation and analytical skills.
• Customer centric.

You must be within commutable distance of Telford or ready to relocate and must not require any form of visa sponsorship.