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 Opportunity
As 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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