<p>The Plant Manager will lead day to day manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, efficient and cost effective production. You will implement process improvements, manage multidisciplinary teams and deliver quality product to time and budget. The role requires strong leadership, commercial acumen and a practical understanding of maintenance, health and safety and continuous improvement.</p>
<h2>Plant Manager Job Profile</h2>
<p>The Plant Manager oversees the full production lifecycle at a manufacturing site, from planning and scheduling to final dispatch. You will ensure compliance with statutory regulations, maintain quality standards and meet customer demand while managing budgets and resources effectively.</p>
<p>This profile suits an experienced operations leader who can motivate staff, embed best practice in safety and efficiency and drive continuous improvement across processes and systems. Strong interpersonal skills and a hands on approach are essential.</p>
<h2>Plant Manager Job Description</h2>
<p>As Plant Manager you will take overall responsibility for the site, including production throughput, product quality, cost control and operational reliability. You will work closely with supply chain, engineering and quality teams to plan capacity, reduce waste and improve yield. A key part of the role is to develop and coach supervisors and teams so that a high performing culture is sustained.</p>
<p>You will lead initiatives in lean manufacturing and process optimisation, monitor key performance indicators and produce regular reports for senior management. Ensuring health and safety compliance, maintaining plant and equipment availability and delivering projects on time and within budget are core duties. You will also be the primary contact for external audits and regulatory inspections.</p>
<p>The successful candidate will manage shift patterns, performance reviews and recruitment for the site. You will be accountable for P&L performance at plant level and for implementing corrective actions where necessary. Building strong relationships with customers, suppliers and contractors is important to support continuous supply and resolve operational issues swiftly.</p>
<h2>Plant Manager Duties and Responsibilities</h2>
<ul>
<li>Lead and manage all site operations to meet production, quality and delivery targets</li>
<li>Develop and implement production plans and resource allocation</li>
<li>Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and promote a safety culture</li>
<li>Drive continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and waste reduction programmes</li>
<li>Manage plant maintenance strategy to maximise equipment availability</li>
<li>Monitor KPIs, prepare operational reports and present performance to senior management</li>
<li>Control operating costs and contribute to budget planning and P&L accountability</li>
<li>Recruit, develop and appraise supervisory and operational staff</li>
<li>Coordinate with quality assurance to maintain product standards and resolve non-conformances</li>
<li>Manage relationships with suppliers, logistics and external contractors</li>
<li>Plan and lead capital projects and process improvement initiatives</li>
<li>Ensure regulatory and audit readiness for the site</li>
</ul>
<h2>Plant Manager Requirements and Qualifications</h2>
<ul>
<li>Degree or HND in engineering, manufacturing or a related discipline</li>
<li>Proven experience in a plant management or senior operations role</li>
<li>Strong knowledge of lean principles, Six Sigma or continuous improvement tools</li>
<li>Practical understanding of maintenance management and TPM</li>
<li>Excellent leadership and people development skills</li>
<li>Demonstrable experience in budget management and cost control</li>
<li>Sound knowledge of health, safety and environmental legislation</li>
<li>Analytical and problem-solving skills with commercial awareness</li>
<li>Good IT skills, including production planning and MES familiarity</li>
<li>Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities</li>
<li>Willingness to work shifts and respond to operational demands</li>
</ul>