Plant Manager

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.