Job Description:

My client is a well-established FMCG manufacturer operating within a highly automated production environment. The business has a strong focus on operational excellence, quality, safety and continuous improvement, supported by sophisticated automated manufacturing processes.

We are seeking a hands-on Plant Manager to take responsibility for the day-to-day performance and continuous improvement of a highly automated manufacturing operation in the West Midlands.

This is a broad operational role, with responsibility extending beyond production into Health & Safety, Maintenance, Facilities and Lean/Continuous Improvement.

The successful candidate will be comfortable being close to the operation, working alongside production and engineering teams, identifying opportunities for improvement and driving solutions through to implementation.

• Lead the day-to-day manufacturing operation, ensuring production targets, quality standards and customer requirements are consistently achieved.

• Take overall responsibility for Health & Safety across the operation, promoting a strong and proactive safety culture.

• Work closely with engineering and maintenance teams to maximise equipment reliability, availability and performance.

• Lead and develop PPM (Planned Preventative Maintenance) initiatives to improve asset reliability and reduce unplanned downtime.

• Oversee site facilities, ensuring the plant remains safe, compliant and operationally effective.

• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across the operation.

• Identify and eliminate waste, inefficiency and recurring operational issues through structured problem-solving.

• Work hands-on with automated production lines, understanding the interaction between equipment, processes and people.

• Develop robust processes and standards to support consistent production performance.

• Maintain a strong focus on quality and customer service, particularly within an FMCG environment supplying major retailers.

The successful candidate is likely to have:

• Proven managerial experience within an FMCG or highly automated manufacturing environment.

• A strong engineering background, ideally combining a relevant academic qualification with substantial hands-on engineering experience.

• Practical experience working with automated production lines and manufacturing equipment.

• A strong understanding of maintenance principles, with experience of developing and leading PPM programmes.

• Demonstrable experience of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

• A hands-on approach, with the credibility and confidence to work directly with production and engineering teams.

• Experience of working within a fast-paced FMCG environment where quality, efficiency and customer service are critical.

• Experience of manufacturing products supplied to major UK retailers.

• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage teams and drive change.

• A practical, commercially aware approach and the ability to make decisions quickly in a manufacturing environment.