Plant Operations Manager Plastic Extrussion

Job description

We are supporting a well-established industrial manufacturing company within the plastics packaging sector, currently undergoing a phase of operational consolidation and growth.

The company is seeking a Plant Manager to act as the right-hand to the Managing Director, with full responsibility over plant operations, technical performance, and production efficiency.

This is a key leadership role focused on driving operational excellence, managing teams on the shop floor, and optimizing production KPIs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operations Management:

• Oversee daily plant operations, ensuring optimal performance across production, maintenance, and logistics.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and develop production teams, supervisors, and shift leaders, fostering accountability and performance culture.

Production & KPIs:

• Monitor and improve key production metrics (OEE, downtime, scrap, output efficiency), implementing corrective actions where required.

Technical Oversight:

• Act as the main technical reference within the plant, ensuring processes are efficient, stable, and scalable.

Continuous Improvement:

• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives and continuous improvement projects to enhance productivity and reduce costs.

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure full compliance with HSE standards and industry regulations, particularly within food or packaging environments.

Cross-functional Coordination:

• Work closely with senior management to align operational priorities with business objectives.

Profile Requirements

• Proven experience as Plant Manager, Operations Manager or Senior Production Manager in an industrial environment
• Strong background in plastics manufacturing (blow moulding, injection or similar processes preferred)
• Solid experience managing production teams and shop floor operations
• Strong understanding of production KPIs and operational efficiency tools (OEE, Lean, etc.)
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to drive change on the factory floor
• Experience in high-volume manufacturing environments

Preferred Background

• Experience in packaging, food-grade manufacturing or FMCG-related industries
• Exposure to 24/7 production environments
• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes

What We Offer

• Key leadership role with high visibility and impact within the organisation
• Opportunity to shape and improve plant performance
• Dynamic and hands-on industrial environment
• Competitive compensation package aligned with experience

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

High Wycombe

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

06-05-2026

Profession type

Manufacturing / Industrial

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English