Plant Operations Leader – 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

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.