At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment, driving safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join OBE, a leader in architectural glass and building products with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, work-life balance, performance bonuses, and comprehensive training.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising plant operations and embracing innovative technologies.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in manufacturing management; experience in plant leadership and lean execution.
The predicted salary is between 175000 - 195000 £ per year.
Come Join Us! From apartments in New York to hospitals and stadiums in Dallas, libraries at prestigious universities to creating modern retail experiences, our teams contribute architectural glass and building products to projects that shape the way people live, work, heal, learn, and play. At OBE, the work of our employees truly matters. With over 6,500 employees, we operate more than 80 manufacturing and distribution facilities in five countries.
What You’ll Get to Do
Graham Architectural Products specializes in solving the industry's toughest challenges through beautiful, functional & energy-efficient window and door systems including casement, hung, sliding & projected windows, entrance doors, security & vandal screens, and window wall systems for demanding commercial & institutional projects. We're looking for a Senior Plant Manager to own day-to-day operations across two York-area facilities: a large, highly profitable manufacturing plant and a smaller warehousing facility that also runs CNC & packaging operations. This is a highly custom, engineer-to-order manufacturing environment, different from standard build-to-inventory work, where production runs in close coordination with estimating, project management & customer-facing teams to meet demanding, lead-time-driven commitments. This role is ideal for a collaborative, results-oriented operator who has already run a plant of significant scale & complexity, leads with lived lean/continuous-improvement discipline rather than certifications alone, and understands that in a custom manufacturing business, every operational decision has a direct & visible impact on the customer.
Key Responsibilities:
- Own full plant operations across both York facilities manufacturing, warehousing, CNC & packaging driving safety, quality, OpEx, production & efficiency.
- Lead, mentor & develop managers and supervisors across multiple disciplines, building a winning culture & strong succession bench.
- Partner closely with estimating, project management & customer service to ensure production schedules & product standards meet demanding lead times.
- Champion daily, hands-on lean/continuous-improvement execution on the shop floor spotting waste & opportunity in real time.
- Lead plant optimization & automation transformation initiatives, championing new technology, robotics & control systems to modernize operations.
- Drive continuous improvement projects that reduce downtime, improve throughput & increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
- Create, recommend & manage capital projects, including automation & equipment upgrades, from business case through implementation.
- Partner with engineering & IT to integrate MES/ERP systems, data analytics & real-time reporting into daily plant decision-making.
- Build strong working relationships with sales & customers, applying emotional intelligence & clear communication to manage expectations in a custom, deadline-driven environment.
- Guide teams through technology-driven & organizational change as the plant modernizes & the business continues to grow.
What We Are Looking For
We know great candidates come from all kinds of backgrounds. If you don’t check every box below, we’d still love to hear from you.
- 7+ years of managerial experience in a manufacturing environment, including experience managing more than one discipline or department.
- Prior experience as a Plant Manager or in a similar plant leadership role at a facility of comparable size & complexity.
- Hands-on management experience with budgeting, quality assurance & equipment troubleshooting.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or equivalent experience.
- Demonstrated, day-to-day lean manufacturing execution, comfortable identifying & driving improvement on the shop floor without relying on formal belt certification alone (Green Belt/Black Belt or TPS experience a plus).
- Proven track record leading plant optimization & automation/digital transformation projects, including robotics, PLC/controls & MES/ERP integration.
- Experience managing capital projects for automation & equipment upgrades, from business case through implementation.
- Strong analytical, data-driven decision-making skills; familiarity with OEE, KPI dashboards & performance analytics.
- Experience in a custom, engineer-to-order, or made-to-order manufacturing environment strongly preferred.
- Strong customer-relationship orientation & cross-functional communication skills; comfortable partnering with sales, estimating & project management on lead-time-sensitive commitments.
Position Pay Range $175,000 - $195,000 USD
What OBE Offers You
- Benefits that benefit you – industry competitive benefits at the lowest cost to the employee.
- Work-life balance – PTO and holidays, including floating holidays you can choose.
- Compensation that rewards your hard work – A pay-for-performance culture with potential for annual raises and bonuses.
- Training – We will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.
OBE Privacy Policy OBE will not discharge or discriminate against employees or applicants for discussing, disclosing, or inquiring about their own or others' pay.
Sr Plant Manager (York) employer: Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
At OBE, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being. With competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to continuous improvement, our Machine Operators play a vital role in shaping innovative architectural projects across the globe. Join us in a dynamic environment where your contributions truly matter and help us build a brighter future.
Contact Details:
Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr Plant Manager (York)
✨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 Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, 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 Sr Plant Manager (York)
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 Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope 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 Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, 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 Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope 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.
