Plant Manager Milton Keynes

Whittan Group; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance

Company pension

Life assurance

Employee discount scheme

Long Service Awards

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Medicash Scheme

Company Car

Job summary

Whittan Group in Milton Keynes seeks a seasoned Plant Manager to lead our manufacturing operation, ensuring safety, quality, cost and on-time delivery. You will oversee Production, Planning, Logistics, Maintenance and Quality with a focus on performance and continuous improvement.

As a senior leader, you will develop a high-performing team, manage budgets and drive Lean initiatives to meet customer commitments and improve Right First-Time metrics across the site.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a manufacturing plant or large-scale operation.
• Strong leadership across multiple operational functions.
• Background in engineering, steel, or similar manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the plant management team.
• Drive operational performance across Production, Logistics, Planning, Quality and Maintenance.
• Set objectives and performance standards to deliver business goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Ensure products meet customer and company quality standards.
• Drive improvements in Right First-Time performance and reduce waste, scrap and rework.
• Manage operating budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure customer delivery commitments are achieved through effective production planning and execution.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives across the site.
• Improve efficiency, productivity and capacity utilisation.
• Establish robust operating procedures and performance measures.
• Drive measurable improvements in quality, cost and delivery performance.
• Promote a strong safety culture and compliance with health and safety policies.

Skills

Leadership

Data-driven

Commercial awareness

Problem solving

Communication

Lean manufacturing

ISO 9001

SEMA standards

Budget management

Education

HNC/HND or Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Operations Management, or equivalent experience

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Plant Manager to lead our manufacturing operation in Milton Keynes. Reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer, you will be responsible for the overall performance of the plant, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, on time, to the required quality standards, and within budget.

This is a senior leadership position with accountability for Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD) performance across Production, Planning, Scheduling, Logistics, Quality and Maintenance functions. You'll play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, continuous improvement, and the development of a high-performing manufacturing team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the plant management team.
• Drive operational performance across Production, Logistics, Planning, Quality and Maintenance.
• Set clear objectives and performance standards to deliver business goals.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork and continuous improvement.
• Ensure products consistently meet customer and company quality standards.
• Drive improvements in Right First-Time performance and reduce waste, scrap and rework.
• Manage operating budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Ensure customer delivery commitments are achieved through effective production planning and execution.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing initiatives across the site.
• Improve efficiency, productivity and capacity utilisation.
• Establish robust operating procedures and performance measures.
• Drive measurable improvements in quality, cost and delivery performance.
• Promote a strong safety culture throughout the plant.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety policies and safe systems of work.
• Work closely with the Health & Safety team to implement improvements and corrective actions.
• Proven experience managing a manufacturing plant or large-scale manufacturing operation.
• Strong leadership experience across multiple operational functions.
• Background within engineering, steel, or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of Quality, Cost and Delivery performance metrics.
• Experience managing manufacturing budgets and KPIs.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience using ERP/MRP systems.
• Strong commercial awareness and problem-solving ability.
• Experience within the pallet racking or storage equipment industry.
• Knowledge of steel fabrication, roll forming and welding processes.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 environment.
• Knowledge of SEMA standards.

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or Degree in Manufacturing, Engineering or Operations Management, or equivalent experience.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a strong and visible leader who is commercially focused, data-driven, and passionate about developing people and improving processes. You'll be a decisive decision-maker with excellent communication skills and a commitment to achieving operational excellence.

Our Values

Adaptability

Open to change, resilient under pressure, and able to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Collaboration

Work effectively with others, value diverse perspectives, and contribute to a positive team culture.

Trusted

Act with integrity, deliver on commitments, and build confidence through transparency and reliability.

Be part of a market-leading business where you'll have the opportunity to shape plant performance, lead high-performing teams, and drive meaningful improvements that contribute to business success.

If you have the experience and drive to lead a high-performing logistics operation and are looking for your next challenge in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Competitive

Hours

37

Competitive Salary33 days holiday per annum including bank holidays pro rataCompany pensionLife assuranceEmployee discount schemeLong Service AwardsEmployee Assistance ProgrammeSupport from Trained Mental Health First AidersCycle2Work SchemeMedicash SchemeCompany Car