Job Description
Plant Manager
Packaging Manufacturing | Essex
QLM Search is partnering with an international packaging manufacturer to appoint a Plant Manager for a strategically important site within its European network.
The business has a long-standing heritage and a strong market position, with significant investment and transformation activity creating clear momentum as it enters the second half of 2026 and beyond.
The Position
Reporting to the Regional Operations Director, the Plant Manager will lead a well-established manufacturing operation, with full accountability for site performance across safety, quality, service, reliability, productivity, and profitability.
Leading a sizeable operational team, you will oversee all site functions and play a key role in driving operational excellence across a high-speed, high-volume manufacturing environment.
Key responsibilities
* Leading manufacturing and distribution performance across the site
* Driving productivity, efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives
* Embedding a strong operational excellence culture
* Owning site CapEx and maintenance (MRO) strategy and execution
* Developing leadership capability and workforce engagement
* Ensuring world-class standards across safety, quality, and customer service
Your Background
We are looking for an experienced manufacturing leader with:
* Proven experience as a Plant Manager within packaging manufacturing
* Strong exposure to high-volume, fast-paced production environments
* A track record leading large teams within asset-intensive operations
* Demonstrated operational excellence and continuous improvement capability
* Strong commercial and operational acumen with the ability to drive performance and change
If you are interested in discussing this Plant Manager opportunity further, please apply today or get in touch directly.