Industrial Manager – High-Volume Automotive Manufacturing Location: Wolverhampton Salary: Competitive Bonus Package Hours: 39 hours per week Are you an experienced operational leader with a track record of driving performance in fast-paced manufacturing environments? We’re recruiting for an Industrial Manager to lead operations at a leading Tier 1 automotive supplier, specialising in body-in-white structures and advanced metal components for the global automotive industry. With a strong reputation for technical innovation, lean manufacturing, and delivering to the highest OEM standards, this organisation plays a critical role in the design and production of structural systems used by some of the world’s best-known automotive brands. The Role As Industrial Manager, you will be responsible for the leadership and performance of all manufacturing operations on site, including Production, Logistics & Planning, and Maintenance. You’ll report directly to the Plant Director and be a key driver of plant-wide initiatives to boost efficiency, quality, delivery, and cost performance. This is a senior role requiring a strategic thinker who can also execute at a tactical level – leading cross-functional teams, driving lean transformation, and embedding a culture of operational excellence. Key Responsibilities * Lead the delivery of Safety, Quality, Cost, and Delivery (SQCD) targets across the site * Oversee and optimise all plant operations, driving improvements in productivity, efficiency, and profitability * Ensure customer requirements are met with on-time, high-quality delivery * Champion a culture of continuous improvement and Lean/5S practices * Coordinate cross-functional support functions to align with operational objectives * Develop and manage high-performing teams within the Business Unit structure * Lead safe and successful launches of new projects, ensuring efficient integration * Drive improvements in Health & Safety metrics and employee engagement What We’re Looking For * Proven leadership experience within high-volume, Tier 1 automotive manufacturing * Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement principles * Strong people management skills with a history of building and developing high-performance teams * Commercially aware with experience managing plant budgets, overheads, and cost structures * Resilient, hands-on, and results-driven – able to influence at all levels of the business * Experience managing customer relationships and responding effectively under pressure Qualifications & Experience * Degree or equivalent in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business (preferred) * Formal Management qualification (completed or in progress) * 10 years' experience in operational or industrial leadership roles in the automotive sector Why Apply? This is a high-impact leadership opportunity within a dynamic and forward-thinking manufacturing site that forms part of a global group. You’ll be given the platform to make real changes, lead a talented team, and shape the future direction of the plant’s operations