Job Description
Plant / Production Manager – COMAH Manufacturing Site
Crawley, West Sussex (Commutable from London, Reading, Slough, Brighton, Worthing)
£70,000 – £78,000 + £6k Car Allowance + 10% Bonus + Excellent Pension + Career Progression + Benefits
The Opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Plant / Production Manager to lead operations at a lower-tier COMAH industrial manufacturing site in West Sussex. You will play a key leadership role within a site team of around 60, responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and compliant operations while driving continuous improvement and fostering a high-performing culture.
Our client is a recognised name within the industrial manufacturing sector, known for their strong values and commitment to safety, sustainability, and employee development.
What You'll Be Doing
* Lead day-to-day production and maintenance operations on site, ensuring safety, environmental and performance standards are met or exceeded.
* Champion HSE culture, leading by example and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and internal systems (ISO standards, risk assessments, audits).
* Manage relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including direct negotiation and engagement with trade unions.
* Oversee plant performance, resource planning, and infrastructure reliability to ensure consistent delivery to customer and business expectations.
* Drive team development, motivation, and succession planning across a diverse, skilled workforce.
* Lead site safety committees, emergency preparedness, and continuous improvement projects across production and site management.
* Manage budgets, KPIs and ensure reporting, compliance and plant standards align with wider business goals.
What You'll Bring
* Proven experience as a Plant or Production Manager within a COMAH, chemical, process, or other industrial manufacturing environment.
* Strong Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) focus, with a track record of driving a safety-first culture.
* Experience in managing trade union negotiations and fostering positive industrial relations.
* Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with a track record of engaging and developing teams.
* Strong operational, strategic and analytical thinking – able to balance technical and people leadership.
* HNC / HND or equivalent in Engineering or a related technical field is, but equivalent experience will be considered.
* A NEBOSH qualification would be advantageous – or a willingness to obtain one.
Why Apply?
* Join a reputable and safety-conscious organisation with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability.
* Be part of a collaborative and inclusive culture where ideas are welcomed and development is supported.
* Enjoy a comprehensive package including:
* Competitive salary + bonus + car allowance
* Excellent employer pension contributions (up to 10.7%)
* 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays) + option to buy extra
* Healthcare coverage and EAP support
* Structured learning, training, and progression opportunities
Interested?
We’re partnering exclusively with this employer to identify the right leader for their West Sussex operations. If you’re a results-driven production leader with a strong HSE mindset and background in industrial/manufacturing environments, we want to hear from you.
Apply today to discuss this opportunity in more detail – all applications and conversations will be handled in confidence.
#J-18808-Ljbffr