Smiths Interconnect - Plant Manager

ZipRecruiter; Dundee; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking a Manufacturing Leader in Dundee, Scotland, to oversee operations and ensure high-quality production standards. The ideal candidate will have a degree in engineering, broad experience in manufacturing leadership, and a strong understanding of quality systems and compliance. This role includes driving continuous improvement initiatives and supporting mission-critical projects in the aerospace industry.

Qualifications

• Broad experience in manufacturing leadership in safety-critical sectors.
• Strong understanding of HSE and continuous improvement tools.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Deliver HSE, quality, delivery, cost, and service targets.
• Lead employee engagement strategy and coach leadership teams.
• Drive lean initiatives and productivity programmes.
• Lead investment planning for production capabilities.
• Ensure on-time delivery for mission-critical programmes.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Quality systems

Interpersonal skills

Financial literacy

Change management

Education

Degree in engineering, science or related discipline

Job description

Job Description

Smiths Interconnect | Division of Smiths Group plc

Reports to: Global Operations Director

Location: Dundee, Scotland

About Smiths Interconnect

Smiths Interconnect is a global leader in high-reliability electronic components and solutions, serving mission-critical applications across demanding markets. As a division of Smiths Group plc, we combine technical expertise and innovation to deliver exceptional engineering solutions worldwide

The Opportunity

This position is responsible for planning, directing, and managing the manufacture of all products within the Smiths Interconnect assigned facility to ensure and maintain product quality requirements, meet manufacturing schedules, achieve process improvements and cost objectives, and attain and sustain optimal employee performance with the objective of creating a world class operations environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational leadership: Deliver HSE, quality, delivery, cost, and service targets across all site functions.
• People and culture: Lead a strong employee engagement strategy, aligned with Smiths’ values, while coaching and developing your leadership team through structured development plans.
• Continuous improvement: Drive lean initiatives, productivity programmes, and inventory optimisation to improve cost and operational KPIs year-over-year.
• Capital investment: Lead investment planning to enhance production capabilities and futureproof the site for growth.
• Customer focus: Ensure on-time delivery and minimal overdue orders, supporting mission-critical programmes in global aerospace and space industries.
• Compliance and quality: Uphold and exceed all relevant quality, regulatory and safety accreditations, including internal and customer audits.

You will also represent the site to global stakeholders, ensuring smooth cross-functional collaboration with quality, finance, HR, and engineering teams while embedding best practice and the Smiths Interconnect Way.

Candidate Profile

We’re looking for a passionate and capable leader who thrives in complex, high-spec environments where precision, quality, and delivery are non-negotiable.

You will have:

• A degree in engineering, science or a related technical discipline.
• Broad experience in manufacturing leadership, ideally in aerospace, defence, electronics, or other safety-critical sectors.
• Strong understanding of HSE, quality systems, and continuous improvement tools.
• Financial literacy, with proven ability to manage site budgets and deliver year-over-year cost reductions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience leading cross-functional teams and engaging a diverse workforce.
• A strategic mindset combined with hands-on operational expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to manage change, coach talent, and lead with energy and resilience.

Why Join Smiths Interconnect?

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group plc, a FTSE 100 global technology group. We design and manufacture highly engineered electronic components that connect, protect, and control critical applications in aerospace, defence, medical, semiconductor, and industrial markets. With over 1,500 employees worldwide and facilities across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, we combine technical excellence with global scale.

At Smiths Interconnect Dundee, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape a high-impact facility with global visibility.
• Work at the cutting edge of space technology and support landmark missions.
• Lead a passionate team in a well-invested, high-performing site.
• Drive real change in a values-led, innovation-driven organisation.