Plant Manager

Wavin; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in sustainable solutions is seeking a Plant Manager for its Chippenham facility. In this strategic role, you will lead operations, ensuring output, cost, and quality targets are met while championing a zero-accident safety culture. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in automation-heavy and unionized manufacturing environments, strong skills in safety and cost management, and the ability to foster team engagement. This position offers an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact within a high-performance environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading in automation-heavy and unionized manufacturing environments.
• Strong track record in safety, quality, and cost management.
• Experience negotiating with trade unions and managing complex site dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct all site operations to meet output, cost, and quality targets.
• Champion a zero-accident safety culture across the site.
• Drive year-on-year cost reduction through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee operational budgets and ensure efficient resource utilization.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing

Safety management

Cost management

Analytical skills

Team engagement

Job description

Now Hiring: Plant Manager – Chippenham | Wavin, an Orbia business

Are you a strategic, hands‑on leader with a passion for operational excellence, safety, and continuous improvement? Join Wavin – a global leader in sustainable building and infrastructure solutions – as Site Manager at our Chippenham facility. This is a pivotal role where you'll lead our site manufacturing, technical, and engineering operations, driving world‑class standards and delivering tangible business impact.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and direct all site operations to meet output, cost, and quality targets
• Champion a zero‑accident safety culture across the site
• Develop and execute a long‑term strategy to build a world‑class operations environment
• Manage and coach the Site Management Team, fostering a high‑performance culture
• Drive year‑on‑year cost reduction through continuous improvement initiatives
• Oversee operational budgets and ensure efficient resource utilization
• Maintain full compliance with quality systems, procedures, and industry standards
• Lead employee engagement initiatives and foster strong union relationships
• Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, customers, and suppliers

What You Bring

• Proven experience leading in automation‑heavy and unionized manufacturing environments
• Strong track record in safety, quality, and cost management
• Experience negotiating with trade unions and managing complex site dynamics
• High‑level financial and commercial acumen, including budget ownership
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to engage, develop, and align teams toward shared goals
• Comfortable navigating fast‑paced, high‑performance environments
• Skilled at balancing strategic vision with practical execution