At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency across two sites.
- Company: Join SC Johnson Professional®, a family-owned leader in hygiene and cleaning solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, medical insurance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusion and diversity while enjoying excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving continuous improvement and developing high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing operations with strong leadership and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Joining the team at SC Johnson Professional® makes you part of a family company with a deep history in the professional market as a leading manufacturer of skincare, cleaning and hygiene products, and smart technologies. We provide solutions to Healthcare, Clean Industrial, Industrial, Office & Institutional, Hospitality & Travel, and Retail & Entertainment markets.
SC Johnson Professional® is a business unit within SC Johnson, a family-owned and led company and leading manufacturer of quality, trusted products since 1886.
Location: Denby & Little Eaton
Function: Supply Chain
Competitive salary plus bonus
- Company Car
- Medical insurance
- Company pension scheme (up to 6% employer contributions)
- Life assurance (4× your salary)
- Free access to a healthcare platform offering nutritional advice, wellbeing support, and more
- Enhanced parental leave policy
- Free optical vouchers
- 28 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays
- Employee benefits platform with discounts & wellbeing perks
- Access to employee assistance programmes
- Complimentary fresh fruit & hot drinks
- Subsidised on-site canteen
- Discounted products at our staff shop
- Free parking
- EV charging points at our Denby site (powered by our own renewable electricity!)
- Cycle-to-work scheme plus bicycle storage area
- “Save a Space” £200 monthly prize draw (earn a ticket every day you car share or don’t use a parking space!)
About the Role:
We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and inspiring Plant Manager to lead our manufacturing operations across our Denby and Little Eaton sites. In this key leadership role, you will be responsible for driving safe, efficient and reliable operations, delivering strong performance across Safety, Quality, Service, Cost and People. Working closely with your site leadership team, you will translate business and supply chain priorities into operational excellence, while developing high-performing teams, strengthening site capabilities and shaping the long-term strategy for both sites. This is an opportunity for a forward-thinking leader who is passionate about developing people, driving continuous improvement and building sustainable manufacturing performance.
Responsibilities:
- Lead safe and compliant operations, ensuring both sites meet UK health, safety and environmental legislation, quality standards and company requirements, while proactively managing risks and driving a strong safety culture.
- Provide strong site leadership, leading and aligning cross-functional teams across Operations, Maintenance, Safety, Quality, Engineering, HR, Planning and Logistics to deliver shared business objectives.
- Drive operational performance across Safety, Quality, Service, Cost, Reliability and People, establishing clear priorities, accountability and a culture of continuous improvement.
- Deliver manufacturing excellence, ensuring production plans are executed safely, efficiently and reliably, while proactively managing operational challenges and maintaining service levels.
- Develop and inspire high-performing teams, coaching and empowering leaders, building talent pipelines and strengthening employee engagement, capability and succession planning.
- Optimise maintenance and asset reliability, driving preventive maintenance, reducing downtime and improving equipment performance to support sustainable operational efficiency.
- Own plant financial performance, managing budgets, manufacturing costs, productivity and capital expenditure, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and deliver sustainable cost improvements.
- Champion continuous improvement and long-term site development, embedding Lean principles, eliminating operational losses and shaping site masterplans and investment priorities to support future business needs.
Experience you’ll bring:
- Proven experience leading manufacturing operations within a regulated, process-based or comparably high-risk industrial environment, with accountability for safety, quality, service, cost and operational performance.
- Strong knowledge of maintenance and reliability systems, alongside practical experience implementing and sustaining Lean manufacturing, daily management routines, structured problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- Demonstrated experience managing budgets, driving productivity and delivering sustainable operational improvements, with the ability to translate business priorities into effective site strategies.
Behaviors you’ll need:
- Ability to lead, coach and develop high-performing teams, creating an inclusive, accountable and engaged workplace culture.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence across functions and lead effectively through change.
- A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the resilience to navigate challenges, make informed decisions and drive continuous improvement.
This role is eligible for domestic or international relocation.
Inclusion & Diversity: We believe Inclusion and Diversity is more than a program. We embed inclusive practices in our day-to-day work, the way we relate to our colleagues, collaborate and make decisions. We value the collective richness of the differences people bring to the organization, including style, personality, thoughts, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and disability – that enables all to bring their full contributions to the organization.
Better Together: At SC Johnson, we believe people achieve their best when they collaborate and work together in person. We value connection to strengthen teamwork, accelerate problem solving, and drive innovation.
Plant Manager – Denby & Little Eaton employer: SC Johnson
SC Johnson is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. Located in Frimley, Surrey, the company provides flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a newly refurbished gym, fostering a healthy work-life balance. With a commitment to diversity and continuous improvement, SC Johnson empowers its employees to thrive while contributing to meaningful global initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Manager – Denby & Little Eaton
✨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 SC Johnson, 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 – Denby & Little Eaton
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 SC Johnson 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 SC Johnson
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with SC Johnson, 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 SC Johnson 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.
