Plant Manager

Plant Manager

Dartford Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Wavin UK, an Orbia business

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead site operations, ensuring safety, quality, and cost targets are met.
  • Company: Join Wavin, a global leader in sustainable building solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Foster a high-performance culture and engage with diverse teams.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: Experience in automation-heavy manufacturing and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Now Hiring: Plant Manager – Chippenham | Wavin, an Orbia business

Location: Chippenham, UK

Full-time | Leadership Role

Are you a strategic, hands-on leader with a passion for operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement? Join Wavin – a global leader in sustainable building and infrastructure solutions – as Site Manager at our Chippenham facility. This is a pivotal role where you\’ll lead our site manufacturing, technical, and engineering operations, driving world-class standards and delivering tangible business impact.

What You’ll Do

  • 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

What You Bring

  • 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

Plant Manager employer: Wavin UK, an Orbia business

Wavin, an Orbia business, is an exceptional employer that prioritises operational excellence and employee development within a collaborative and safety-focused work culture. Located in Chippenham, our facility offers a dynamic environment where you can lead innovative manufacturing operations while benefiting from continuous improvement initiatives and strong support for professional growth. Join us to make a tangible impact in sustainable building solutions and be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters a high-performance culture.
Wavin UK, an Orbia business

Contact Detail:

Wavin UK, an Orbia business Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Plant Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in operational excellence and safety management, as these are key for the Plant Manager role.

✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Plant Manager

Leadership Skills
Operational Excellence
Safety Management
Continuous Improvement
Budget Management
Cost Reduction Strategies
Quality Systems Compliance
Employee Engagement
Union Negotiation
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Team Development
Strategic Planning
Resource Utilization

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Plant Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing and any achievements related to safety and cost management.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about operational excellence and how your background aligns with our mission at Wavin. Be sure to mention your experience with union negotiations and team development.

Showcase Your Achievements: Quantify your successes! Whether it’s cost reductions or safety improvements, use numbers to demonstrate your impact in previous roles. This helps us see the tangible benefits you can bring to our Chippenham facility.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wavin UK, an Orbia business

✨Know Your Operations Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into Wavin's operations and their approach to sustainability. Familiarise yourself with their manufacturing processes and any recent innovations they've implemented. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their operational goals.

✨Safety First Mindset

Given the emphasis on a zero-accident safety culture, be prepared to share specific examples from your past where you successfully implemented safety protocols or improved safety standards. Highlighting your commitment to safety will resonate well with the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

Wavin is looking for a hands-on leader, so think about how you can demonstrate your leadership style during the interview. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate how you've managed teams, fostered high-performance cultures, and navigated complex site dynamics, especially in unionised environments.

✨Engage with Financial Acumen

Since the role involves budget ownership and cost management, brush up on your financial knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've previously managed budgets and driven cost reductions through continuous improvement initiatives. This will showcase your ability to balance strategic vision with practical execution.

Plant Manager
Wavin UK, an Orbia business
Location: Dartford
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