At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a 500+ employee manufacturing site and drive operational excellence.
- Company: Join a growing global organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, private healthcare, and career development.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant exposure to international leadership teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key leadership role within a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or Business and strong Lean Manufacturing experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Your new company
As Plant Manager, you will have full responsibility for a 500+ employee manufacturing site, driving operational excellence and leading the plant to world-class performance standards. You will oversee all key functions including engineering, manufacturing, finance, quality, materials, facilities, and EHS, while collaborating closely with international leadership teams. Your focus will be on delivering excellence across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Inventory, and People, ensuring both operational and customer success.
Your new role
- Leadership & Site Operations
- Lead and manage all site operations with full P&L accountability
- Set and deliver plant budgets and performance targets
- Provide leadership across all functional departments
- Foster a high-performance, engaged workplace culture
- Manufacturing Excellence
- Drive Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies (ESSENTIAL) across the operation
- Deliver measurable improvements in quality, cost, delivery, and productivity
- Develop scalable and resilient manufacturing processes
- Ensure effective capacity planning aligned to business growth
- People & Culture
- Recruit, develop, and retain high-performing teams
- Embed a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Lead performance management and succession planning
- Maintain clear and consistent communication across all levels
- Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Build and maintain strong customer relationships
- Support successful new product introductions
- Represent the organisation within the local business community
What you'll need to succeed
- Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business
- Strong, proven experience in Lean Manufacturing AND Six Sigma (ESSENTIAL)
- Significant experience in senior manufacturing leadership roles
- Proven track record leading large-scale manufacturing operations
- Demonstrated success in cost reduction, productivity improvements, and operational transformation
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems, supply chain, and performance metrics
- Exceptional leadership and people management capability
- Ability to operate in a complex, global environment
Desirable
- MBA or Master's degree
- Experience within a high-volume or complex manufacturing environment
What you'll get in return
- Very competitive salary with a 10% performance-related bonus
- Private healthcare plus a comprehensive executive benefits package
- Pension scheme and broader financial benefits
- Opportunity to lead a large, strategically important manufacturing site
- Significant exposure to and collaboration with international leadership teams
- Strong investment in employee development, training, and career progression
- A key role in driving operational excellence within a growing global organisation
- Stable, long-term opportunity supported by continued regional investment and expansion
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Plant Manager in Donegal employer: Hays Engineering
As a Plant Manager at our dynamic manufacturing site, you will be part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. We offer a competitive salary, private healthcare, and a comprehensive benefits package, alongside significant opportunities for career progression and collaboration with international leadership teams. Our culture fosters high performance, safety, and continuous improvement, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Manager in Donegal
✨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 Hays Engineering, 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 Donegal
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 Hays Engineering 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 Hays Engineering
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hays Engineering, 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 Hays Engineering 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.
