Location: UK Midlands
Sector: 1st Tier Automotive Manufacturing
Position: Plant Manager
A leading 1st-tier automotive manufacturer is seeking an accomplished Plant Manager to take full leadership of a complex, high-volume production site supplying major global OEMs. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a strategically important facility undergoing significant operational and cultural transformation.
The OpportunityAs Plant Manager, you will be the senior decision-maker on site-accountable for performance across operations, quality, supply chain, engineering and HSE, finance. You’ll lead the plant through its next phase of growth, driving operational excellence, strengthening customer relationships, and cultivating a high-performing, collaborative culture.
This role will suit a forward-thinking automotive operations leader who thrives in fast-paced environments and enjoys the balance of strategic leadership and hands-on engagement.
Key Responsibilities*Lead all plant functions to deliver operational, financial, safety and customer performance targets.
*Shape and execute the site strategy, ensuring alignment with group objectives and OEM expectations.
*Drive continuous improvement, lean methodologies, and data-led decision-making to maximise OEE, reduce waste, and improve productivity.
*Oversee launches of new programs, ensuring flawless execution to customer timelines and standards.
*Build capability across the plant, developing high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and engagement.
*Act as the site’s primary representative to corporate stakeholders and key OEM customers.
*Lead annual budgeting, investment planning, and capacity modelling for the site.
About You*Proven success as a Plant Manager or senior operations leader within a high-volume, complex automotive environment.
*Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence, motivate, and unite diverse teams.
*Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, CI methodologies, and modern production systems.
*Confident communicator with experience managing OEM relationships and customer escalations.
*Commercially astute with experience owning budgets and site-level performance outcomes.
*Degree-qualified in Engineering or a related discipline; Six Sigma Green Belt desirable.
Why This Role?You’ll be joining a business with ambitious growth plans, strong OEM partnerships, and genuine appetite for change. This is a chance to make a real impact-operationally, culturally, and strategically-while shaping the long-term success of a flagship plant.


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