At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead production and packing operations while driving safety and efficiency.
- Company: Established manufacturing company with a focus on continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus opportunities, enhanced holidays, and career development.
- Other info: Join a team committed to safety and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role within a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in heavy/process manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
We are recruiting for an experienced Plant Manager / Production Manager / Operations Manager to take ownership of a critical production and packing operation within a large, established manufacturing environment. This is a senior operational position where you will lead a team of supervisors and operational personnel, ensuring safe, efficient and reliable production while driving continuous improvement, operational performance and cost control.
The Role
Reporting into the Production Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day operation of production, storage, packing and dispatch activities. You will work closely with Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Logistics and Commercial teams to ensure production targets and customer requirements are consistently achieved.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the safe and efficient operation of production, packing, storage and dispatch activities.
- Manage and develop a team of supervisors and operational personnel.
- Establish a strong safety-first culture across the operation.
- Drive plant reliability, efficiency, productivity and continuous improvement.
- Work closely with Engineering and Maintenance teams to plan maintenance activities and shutdowns.
- Monitor operational KPIs and deliver agreed performance targets.
- Manage departmental budgets, expenditure and cost control.
- Ensure raw materials, packaging and other resources are available to support production.
- Coordinate with Quality, Logistics, Supply Chain and Commercial teams.
- Support site improvement projects and the introduction of new products/processes.
- Manage contractors and support project delivery.
- Develop people through coaching, training and succession planning.
- Build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Lead operational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
About You
We are looking for an experienced operational leader with a strong background in a large-scale manufacturing or process environment. You should ideally have:
- Significant experience within a heavy/process manufacturing environment.
- Previous experience managing production or plant operations.
- Strong people leadership experience, including supervisors and operational teams.
- Experience working closely with Engineering/Maintenance functions.
- Experience managing contractors, projects and shutdown activities.
- A strong understanding of health & safety within an industrial environment.
- Proven experience delivering operational KPIs and performance improvements.
- Experience with budgets, cost control and commercial decision making.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Good analytical and problem-solving ability.
- IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and preferably SAP or a similar ERP system.
- Experience within cement, minerals, aggregates, quarrying, lime, chemicals or another continuous/heavy manufacturing environment would be particularly relevant.
What You'll Bring
We're looking for someone who is:
- A confident and visible operational leader.
- Safety-focused and committed to high standards.
- Comfortable leading through change.
- Commercially aware and results driven.
- Passionate about continuous improvement.
- Able to engage effectively with both shop-floor teams and senior stakeholders.
- Organised and capable of managing competing operational priorities.
- Committed to developing people and building a high-performing team.
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary.
- Bonus opportunity.
- Enhanced holiday entitlement.
- Contributory pension scheme.
- Employee benefits and discount platform.
- Employee assistance support.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Long-term career development within a major manufacturing operation.
If you're an experienced Plant Manager, Production Manager or Operations Manager looking for a senior opportunity where you can genuinely influence safety, performance, people and operational improvement, we'd be keen to hear from you.
Plant Manager in Buxton employer: Escape
Join our dynamic manufacturing team in Fife, where we prioritise innovation and employee development. We offer a supportive work culture that values your contributions, alongside opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement. Enjoy a stable dayshift schedule from Monday to Friday, allowing for a healthy work-life balance while being part of a company on the rise.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Manager in Buxton
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Escape, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Manager in Buxton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Escape specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Escape
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Escape, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Escape value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
