Plant Operations Manager - Automotive Manufacturing (Greenfield Site)
Location: Basildon, Essex (On-site)
Salary: Competitive + benefits
 
Overview
 
We are supporting an established European manufacturing business as they launch a new UK production facility in Basildon. This is a greenfield site, replicating a successful operation in Italy, focused on plastic injection moulding and associated finishing processes (including painting) for the automotive sector.
 
This is a key hire who will play a pivotal role in setting up, stabilising, and scaling the plant from the ground up.
 
The Role
 
As Plant Operations Manager, you will take ownership of the day-to-day operational setup and running of the facility, ensuring readiness for production and supporting long-term growth.
You will work closely with international stakeholders (Italy HQ) and be instrumental in building the UK team and operational capability.
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Site Setup & Readiness

• Support final stages of site preparation and operational readiness
• Coordinate installation of production machinery (target June-July)
• Ensure the plant is fully operational for production go-live (target September)

Operations Management

• Oversee day-to-day plant operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety
• Implement processes aligned with the existing Italian operation
• Drive continuous improvement across production, workflow, and output

Team Build & Leadership

• Lead initial hiring of ~10 staff, scaling to ~30+ over time
• Build and develop a high-performing production team
• Establish a strong on-site culture and operational discipline

Stakeholder Coordination

• Act as the key UK contact for the Italian HQ
• Ensure alignment on processes, standards, and timelines
• Support knowledge transfer between sites

 
Candidate Profile
 
Essential

• Proven experience in a Plant Manager / Operations Manager / Production Manager role
• Strong background in automotive manufacturing environments
• Experience in setting up or scaling manufacturing operations (greenfield or expansion highly desirable)
• Hands-on, operational mindset - comfortable being on the shop floor
• Experience with team building and hiring

Desirable

• Experience with plastic injection moulding
• Exposure to painting or finishing processes
• Experience working with international teams or parent companies

Why Join?

• Opportunity to build a manufacturing site from scratch
• High level of autonomy and ownership
• Long-term growth as the site scales over the coming years
• Work with an established international business entering the UK market

Timeline Context (for candidates)

• Site currently under construction
• Machinery installation: Summer 2026 (June-July)
• Production go-live: ~September 2026