At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to achieve operational excellence in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join Wavin, a global leader in building and infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on water management and urban development while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with proven leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
About Wavin Orbia Building & Infrastructure Business: What if your work could improve how water moves, how cities adapt, and how buildings perform every day? At Wavin, Orbia’s Building & Infrastructure business, this is what we do. Count on a warm welcome, where purpose comes to life. Here, we take responsibility for each other and our company, stay brave in pursuing innovation, and embrace diversity in perspectives, skills and talents. We encourage our employees to develop their talents and become the best version of themselves. Working as a strong team, we grow and advance life around the world. You will join an international, professional team and benefit from a competitive compensation package.
About the role: As our Senior Plant Manager, you will be the driving force behind our site’s performance — leading, inspiring, and empowering teams to deliver outstanding operational results. Acting as a key leader on site, you’ll shape direction, influence outcomes, and ensure our plant operates safely, efficiently, and at the highest level of quality. In this role, you will:
- Lead and direct all site operations to meet output, cost, and quality targets
- Champion a zero-accident safety culture across the site
- Develop and execute a long-term strategy to build a world-class operations environment
- Manage and coach the Site Management Team, fostering a high-performance culture
- Drive year-on-year cost reduction through continuous improvement initiatives
- Oversee operational budgets and ensure efficient resource utilization
- Maintain full compliance with quality systems, procedures, and industry standards
- Lead employee engagement initiatives and foster strong union relationships
- Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, and suppliers
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or a related field.
- Proven experience leading in automation-heavy and unionized manufacturing environments
- Strong track record in safety, quality, and cost management
- Experience negotiating with trade unions and managing complex site dynamics
- High-level financial and commercial acumen, including budget ownership
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to engage, develop, and align teams toward shared goals
- Comfortable navigating fast-paced, high-performance environments
- Skilled at balancing strategic vision with practical execution
Our Offer: Wavin, Orbia’s Building & Infrastructure business, is an innovative solutions provider for the global building and infrastructure industry. Backed by more than 70 years of product development experience, we advance life around the world by ensuring safe and efficient water supply, sanitation and hygiene, climate-resilient cities, and better building performance. Wavin has over 10,000 employees across more than 40 production sites worldwide, serving customers in over 80 countries through a global sales and distribution network. Our key commercial brands are Wavin, Amanco Wavin, Pavco Wavin, and Plastigama Wavin.
Wavin, Orbia’s Building & Infrastructure business is committed to inclusive hiring. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, age, background, sexual orientation, disability or any other characteristic.
Senior Plant Manager employer: Orbia
Orbia is an exceptional employer that prioritises a culture of quality and compliance, making it an ideal workplace for professionals in the pharmaceutical sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer extensive training and development opportunities, alongside a collaborative work environment at our Rocksavage and Thornton Science Park locations. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation and excellence in every aspect of our operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Plant Manager
✨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 Orbia, 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 Senior Plant Manager
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 Orbia 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 Orbia
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Orbia, 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 Orbia 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.
