At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a cutting-edge rail manufacturing facility and drive operational excellence.
- Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a global leader in digital transformation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus potential, 25 days holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the future of manufacturing and transportation.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in complex manufacturing environments and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 61816 - 75552 £ per year.
About Us
A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy.
With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology.
From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.
And that’s where you come in.
Job Description
Your New Role
As Plant Manager, you will take overall responsibility for one of the UK's most advanced rail manufacturing facilities, leading the delivery of complex vehicle manufacturing programmes from our Newton Aycliffe site.
Reporting to the Senior Director Manufacturing Vehicles, this is a highly visible and business-critical leadership role.
You will lead a large multi-disciplinary organisation of approximately 500 employees and be responsible for ensuring operational excellence across manufacturing, planning, project manufacturing management and site maintenance functions.
As a key member of the UK Executive leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic objectives, driving operational performance, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring the successful delivery of world-class rail vehicles to our customers.
- Some Key Responsibilities
- Lead all manufacturing operations at the Newton Aycliffe facility, ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality delivery of customer programmes.
- Drive performance across productivity, quality, cost, delivery and operational excellence measures.
- Provide inspirational leadership to a diverse team of senior leaders and managers, developing capability and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Own and manage a significant operational budget while delivering agreed financial and business performance targets.
- Oversee internal programme delivery, ensuring projects are executed to cost, quality and schedule commitments.
- Champion Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality standards, creating a culture where safety is always the highest priority.
- Build strong relationships with customers, trade unions, employee representatives and key stakeholders across the business.
- Collaborate with global manufacturing teams across Europe, Japan and North America to drive innovation, best practice and continuous improvement.
- Lead organisational planning and resource strategies that support both current and future business requirements.
- Create a positive and engaging working environment aligned to Hitachi's values of Harmony, Sincerity and Pioneering Spirit.
About You
You are an accomplished senior leader with a proven track record of leading complex manufacturing operations within engineering, industrial, automotive, aerospace, rail or similarly regulated environments.
You will bring exceptional leadership capability, commercial awareness and operational expertise, with the ability to inspire large teams whilst consistently delivering against demanding business objectives.
We are looking for someone who has
- Significant senior leadership experience within a complex manufacturing and/or engineering organisation.
- A strong record of delivering results across quality, cost, delivery and operational performance metrics.
- Experience leading large, multi-functional teams in a high-volume or high-value manufacturing environment.
- Strong stakeholder management and employee relations experience, including working with trade unions and employee representative bodies.
- The ability to think strategically while maintaining a focus on day-to-day operational execution.
- Excellent communication, influencing and decision-making skills.
- A passion for developing people, building high-performing teams and creating an engaging workplace culture.
- Degree-level qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Experience of SAP and Six Sigma methodologies would be advantageous.
Why Join Hitachi Rail?
This is a unique opportunity to lead one of the UK's most important rail manufacturing facilities at a time of continued transformation and growth.
You will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of manufacturing, contribute to major transportation programmes and work alongside talented colleagues across our global network.
If you are a strategic manufacturing leader who thrives in complex environments and is passionate about delivering operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.
What We Offer
We value the importance of all our employees and, when you join our fantastic organisation, you could be entitled to:
- Competitive salary
- Potential opportunity for annual performance-related bonus
- 25 days holiday
- Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
- Private medical insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Group Income Protection
- Group Life Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
We also offer additional benefits through our flexible benefits platform, allowing you to tailor rewards to suit your lifestyle.
At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone.
We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view.
It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
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Plant Manager in Newton Aycliffe employer: Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Newton Aycliffe, where innovation meets tradition in rail manufacturing. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a commitment to inclusivity, we empower our team members to thrive while contributing to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of transportation. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Manager in Newton Aycliffe
✨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 Hitachi Rail, 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 Newton Aycliffe
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 Hitachi Rail 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 Hitachi Rail
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hitachi Rail, 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 Hitachi Rail 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.
