Manufacturing Business Plant Manager

Important Notice: Right to Work in the UK

Please note that candidates must have the right to work in the UK without requiring future visa sponsorship. Unfortunately, our company does not provide visa support. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.

Manufacturing Business Plant Manager at Clayton Glass

Clayton Glass: The difference is clear to see.

We're proud to be British owned and a British manufacturer driven by nearly 70 years of history. Join us in this exciting time and take the helm at our Swindon manufacturing site. This is a unique opportunity to lead an established operation and be part of our amazing dynamic team. We have a family-orientated company culture and positive mindset motivating us all for success. We own our decisions, our mistakes, and the places they take us. Welcome to Clayton Glass — one Company, 7 sites.

If you're a skilled leader with a passion for operational excellence, a strong technical foundation, and the ability to inspire teams, then Clayton Glass could be the perfect fit for you.

The Role

As Manufacturing Business Plant Manager, you will take full ownership of the Swindon site's performance, leading a team of skilled operatives and engineers in the production of high-performance insulated glass units (IGUs), conservatory roofs, and specialist glazing products. You'll be responsible for translating business goals into operational plans, managing budgets, and ensuring the site delivers on quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.

You'll work closely with senior leadership to shape the site's future, championing innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strong decision-making, technical understanding, and people management skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Culture
• Lead and develop cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Mentor and support team leaders and supervisors.
• Operational Oversight
• Manage production schedules, inventory, and workflows to meet customer demands.
• Oversee procurement and supplier relationships for raw materials and services.
• Ensure effective use of ERP systems and production planning tools.
• Health, Safety & Compliance
• Enforce compliance with health and safety regulations and company policies.
• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to ensure a safe working environment.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 standards.
• Quality & Customer Focus
• Collaborate with quality teams to maintain and improve product standards.
• Address and resolve quality issues promptly to meet customer expectations.
• Support new product introductions and custom orders.
• Strategic Planning & Reporting
• Align operations with business goals and contribute to strategic decision-making.
• Monitor and report on operational performance, KPIs, and site metrics.
• Drive energy-efficient practices and waste reduction initiatives.

Essential Criteria

• At least 5 years of experience in operations or production management within a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of A-levels or equivalent; a degree in business management, operations management, engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• IOSH certification or similar for health and safety management.
• Proven experience leading and managing diverse teams in a fast-paced setting.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, inventory control, and production planning.
• Experience working within ISO frameworks and HSE legislation.
• Valid UK Driving Licence.

Desirable Criteria [An asset, but not compulsory.]

• MBA or postgraduate degree in operations management or engineering.
• Background in glass manufacturing, construction materials, or precision manufacturing.
• PRINCE2 or PMP certification in project management; ISO 9001 training.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g. GlassTrack), Excel, and data analysis tools such as Power BI

Employee Benefits

• Company car
• Discounted Clayton Glass purchases
• 25 days of annual leave plus Bank Holidays, plus an extra day off for your birthday
• Company pension scheme
• Referral programme
• Free on-site parking
• Health & Wellbeing programme
• Bereavement leave

Additional Information:

• Location: Clayton Glass Swindon Unit 2a

Blackworth Industrial Estate, Highworth, Swindon, SN6 7NA

• Working Hours / Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

• [However, due to the nature of the role, flexibility will be required to meet the demands and responsibilities associated with the position.]

• Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 [plus company car]

• Positions: 1 opportunity available

If you're ready to take charge and drive operational success at Clayton Glass, apply now and join us in making a difference.

At Clayton Glass, the difference is clear

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £55,000.00-£60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company car
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Referral programme

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Swindon SN6 7NA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

• This role requires technical knowledge, familiarity with manufacturing processes, inventory management, and production planning. Can you confirm you fulfil this prerequisite?
• As part of our hiring process, we need to confirm that candidates have the right to work in the UK without the need for future visa sponsorship. Could you please confirm your eligibility?

Education:

• A-Level or equivalent (required)

Experience:

• Operations management within a manufacturing environment: 5 years (required)

Language:

• fluent English (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (required)
• IOSH certificate or similar for Health & Safety management (preferred)
• PRINCE2 / PMP certification in project management (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person