At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a manufacturing site, driving delivery, cost control, and lean culture.
- Company: Rapidly expanding manufacturer with a focus on UK and European markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related bonus, and growth opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the chance to shape site performance and culture.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a site and make a real impact on operational performance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing and experience managing large teams.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially driven Plant Manager who thrives on improving delivery, driving cost control and embedding lean culture? Start People are working with a rapidly expanding manufacturer supplying product into UK and European markets. The Durham site employs 50 people, with 35 direct reports across Production and Engineering. This role carries full site accountability.
This is a true leadership role. You will take ownership of:
- On-Time Delivery performance
- Manufacturing cost control and budgetary performance
- Productivity and throughput
- Lean implementation and CI culture
- Team engagement and accountability
What You’ll Bring as the UK Plant Manager:
- Proven Plant / Operations leadership within manufacturing
- Experience leading 30+ direct reports
- Strong commercial awareness (cost, margin, OTD focus)
- Track record of driving lean and operational improvement
- Confidence operating within a global reporting structure
The incoming Plant Manager will be expected to:
- Improve On-Time Delivery performance
- Tighten cost control
- Embed lean discipline
- Strengthen operational consistency and ownership
- Lead and develop a small to medium size site
This role will suit someone who enjoys accountability and is motivated by measurable improvement.
Package:
- Competitive salary
- Performance-related bonus
- Backing of a stable and evidential growth plan
- Real scope to shape and improve site performance
If you are ready to take full ownership of a UK manufacturing site and drive tangible operational improvement, apply now.
Plant Manager in Durham employer: Start People Ltd
Start People is an excellent employer for those seeking a leadership role in manufacturing, offering a competitive salary and performance-related bonuses. With a strong focus on employee growth and a culture that values accountability and continuous improvement, the Durham site provides a unique opportunity to shape operational success while working within a supportive team environment. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly expanding company that prioritises lean practices and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Plant Manager in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector, especially those who know about plant management. A friendly chat can lead to insider info on job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their lean practices and how they measure success. This will help you showcase your experience in driving operational improvements and cost control.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've engaged teams and improved productivity in past roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to manage direct reports effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Plant Manager in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Plant Manager role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing leadership, cost control, and lean implementation. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can drive improvements at our Durham site. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a Plant Manager, you'll be leading a team of 35 direct reports. Share examples of how you've engaged and developed teams in the past. We love to see a collaborative approach that drives accountability and performance!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Start People Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Plant Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key performance indicators. Brush up on metrics related to On-Time Delivery, cost control, and productivity. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team of 35 direct reports, so it's crucial to convey your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've engaged teams, fostered accountability, and driven a lean culture in previous positions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you've faced in manufacturing and how you tackled them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research the company’s growth plans and values. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their objectives, especially regarding operational improvements and embedding lean practices. This shows you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company culture.
