Plant General Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Plant General Manager to assume full operational responsibility for a well-established manufacturing site. Leading a large team, you will drive operational excellence, profitability, business performance and a culture of continuous improvement.VPK Packaging - UK & Ireland is looking to appoint an inspirational leader who combines strong commercial acumen with a genuine passion for people, operational excellence and continuous improvement to lead our Selby manufacturing operation.With an annual turnover of approximately £53 million and a workforce of around 180 employees, this is a significant leadership opportunity within a fast-paced, multi-shift manufacturing environment.Overseeing manufacturing, engineering, planning, logistics, warehousing, quality and health, safety & environment, the successful candidate will be responsible for delivering operational performance, developing high-performing teams and ensuring the site continues to meet the highest standards of safety, quality and customer service.The RoleAs Plant General Manager, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day operation and longer-term strategic development of the site.Your key responsibilities will include:Lead, motivate and develop the workforce across manufacturing, engineering, planning, logistics, warehousing, quality and health & safety.Champion a safety-first culture, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, company procedures and health & safety standards.Develop and implement operational strategies to improve productivity, efficiency, quality and customer satisfaction.Establish and monitor clear operational KPIs, driving accountability and measurable improvements across all departments.Ensure the site maintains all relevant accreditations and certifications, consistently meeting customer, quality, legal and regulatory requirements.Drive lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve machine performance and maximise operational efficiency.Oversee production planning, engineering performance, warehouse operations and transport efficiency.Identify opportunities to improve labour utilisation, manufacturing costs and overall profitability.Work closely with commercial teams and key customers to support business growth and maintain excellent service levels.Develop a strong leadership team through coaching, succession planning, training and performance management.Promote a positive, collaborative and accountable culture where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and drive improvements.About YouWe are looking for a proven manufacturing leader who has successfully managed a sizeable, fast-paced production operation and understands how to balance commercial performance with operational excellence.Ideally, you will have:Significant senior leadership experience within manufacturing, ideally as a Plant General Manager, General Manager, Site Director, Operations Director or similar.A strong background in lean manufacturing, preferably within the packaging or corrugated industry.Proven experience managing a large, multi-disciplinary workforce within a multi-shift manufacturing environment.Demonstrable experience managing a manufacturing P&L, with a strong track record of delivering financial performance, cost control and profitability improvements.A successful track record of delivering operational improvements, organisational change and continuous improvement programmes.Strong knowledge of manufacturing KPIs, including productivity, waste, downtime, labour efficiency and quality performance.Excellent leadership and people development skills, with the ability to engage, influence and motivate teams at all levels.Experience working with ERP systems, ideally SAP.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the confidence to make commercially sound decisions.A customer-focused approach and the ability to build effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.A degree or equivalent qualification in Engineering, Manufacturing or Commerce would be advantageous, along with formal Continuous Improvement or Lean Six Sigma qualifications, ideally Black Belt.Most importantly, we're looking for a visible, approachable and results-driven leader who is comfortable being hands-on within the operation while maintaining a clear strategic focus.Salary & BenefitsIn addition to a competitive executive remuneration package, we offer an excellent range of benefits, including:Company car or car allowance15% annual bonus opportunity, dependent on achievement of agreed KPIsExecutive pension scheme – 9.5% employer contributionBUPA private medical coverIncome Protection coverCritical Illness coverDeath in Service benefit – 4 x basic annual salary