At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing manufacturing team while driving operational excellence.
- Company: Global aerospace engineering business with a focus on innovation and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 15% bonus, career development, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities and a supportive culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a leadership role within a growing global organisation.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership and Lean principles, with strong people skills.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Plant Manager, Operations Manager or Manufacturing Leader with a strong background in Lean manufacturing and developing high-performing teams? Do you have the leadership presence to take genuine ownership of a site, drive operational excellence and create a culture where people, safety, quality and continuous improvement are at the heart of everything you do? If so, I want to hear from you.
We are working with an established global aerospace engineering business that is looking for an experienced Plant Manager to take full accountability for the performance and development of its Coventry manufacturing site. This is a high-profile leadership position within a growing operation. The site operates around the clock, making this a role where strong leadership, visibility and accountability are essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full ownership of site operations, performance and strategic development, ensuring the plant delivers against safety, quality, cost, delivery and productivity objectives.
- Lead and develop a team of approximately 100 employees, building capability, accountability and a strong culture of engagement and continuous improvement.
- Drive the Lean agenda across the site, delivering measurable improvements in productivity, efficiency, lead times, cost and operational performance.
- Maintain the highest standards of HSE, ensuring risks are proactively managed and a strong safety culture is embedded throughout the operation.
- Lead production and manufacturing activities to ensure customer requirements are consistently achieved while maintaining quality and cost expectations.
- Work cross-functionally with Engineering, Projects and other functions to support business growth, investment and future-state planning.
- Manage site budgets and resources effectively, ensuring operational performance is delivered within agreed financial parameters.
- Identify, develop and implement opportunities for process improvement, change management and culture development.
Essential Experience / Skills / Qualifications
- Significant experience leading a manufacturing or production facility, including both direct and indirect teams.
- A strong background in machining/manufacturing.
- Experience within furnacing or associated manufacturing processes would be advantageous but is not essential.
- A proven track record of implementing Lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement, with clear examples of measurable results.
- Strong experience developing teams, improving capability and creating a culture of accountability and engagement.
- A strong understanding of HSE, with a proven track record of maintaining and improving safety performance.
- Experience working with manufacturing processes, ERP/MRP systems and operational KPIs.
- The confidence and personality to operate effectively at all levels, from the shop floor through to senior leadership.
- A hands-on, visible and positive leadership style, with the ability to build trust while holding people accountable.
The Person
This role is about more than simply managing production. We are looking for a solid, experienced manufacturing leader with personality – someone who naturally takes ownership, enjoys being visible on the shop floor and genuinely cares about developing people. You should be able to demonstrate where you have built successful teams, introduced Lean improvements and delivered tangible operational results. You will be expected to take the site personally – understanding its performance, its people and its opportunities, and creating an environment where everyone feels accountable for delivering the right outcomes. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who wants to make a genuine impact within a global organisation, with significant opportunities for longer-term career development across the wider group.
Company Benefits
- 15% Annual bonus
- Focused career development planning and progression opportunities
- Pension scheme with up to 10% company contribution
- Income protection scheme
- Life assurance of 4x basic salary
- Share purchase scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Option to buy or sell up to 5 additional days' holiday
- Additional service-related holiday entitlement
- Cash Plan or Private Medical Cover
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee discounts across a wide range of goods and services
- Employee referral scheme
- Free on-site parking
- Early finish every Friday
Plant Manager employer: Owen Daniels
As a Regional Facilities Manager with us, you'll join a dynamic team that values safety, compliance, and excellence in property management across Kent and Essex. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package. Our commitment to maintaining high standards in our commercial properties ensures that you will find your role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Owen Daniels, 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
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 Owen Daniels 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 Owen Daniels
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Owen Daniels, 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 Owen Daniels 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.
