Operations Plant Manager

Operations Plant Manager – West Sussex A leading industrial manufacturer is seeking a motivated and experienced Operations Plant Manager to oversee production operations at a key UK site in West Sussex. This role is ideal for candidates from food, chemical, water, plastics, recycling, or oil and gas backgrounds. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for ensuring the site operates safely, efficiently, and sustainably. You will play a key part in shaping team culture, driving operational performance, and embedding continuous improvement practices across the plant. Key Responsibilities Lead daily plant operations with a focus on safety, performance, and reliability Build and maintain a collaborative, results-driven team culture Oversee all aspects of production, maintenance, and resource management Champion SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment and Quality) standards through active leadership, audits, and training Lead safety committees and ensure full compliance with all regulatory requirements Inspire and develop operational teams to reach their full potential through coaching and performance management Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve process control Take full ownership of site infrastructure, security, assets, and emergency systems About You HNC or HND in a relevant discipline, or equivalent industry experience Proven leadership experience in a production or operations role within an industrial environment Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence at all levels Strong working knowledge of Health and Safety practices, including ISO standards Demonstrated success in leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering operational targets Proactive problem-solver with strong decision-making abilities under pressure NEBOSH General Certificate preferred, or willingness to work towards it #J-18808-Ljbffr