Plant Manager

Erwitte, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany | Management | Full-time

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IMI plc


We are a global specialist engineering company that creates breakthrough solutions. We are curious and like to solve problems, partnering with our customers to solve the demands of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. We embrace innovation and care about outcomes that are good for business, everyday life and making a better world – creating lasting impact for everyone.

We design, build and service highly engineered products in fluid and motion control applications. We focus on five market sectors: Industrial Automation, Process Automation, Climate Control, Life Science and Fluid Control, and Transport.

Our partnership approach breaks through problems and reduces complexity. We don’t invent in isolation – we collaborate with our customers. We listen closely and we think differently, creating space for diverse minds to innovate. We are working together to make businesses safer, more sustainable and more productive.

 

Job Purpose:

Lead our Erwitte manufacturing site, guiding factory teams to meet goals and deliver for our customers. Foster collaboration between local Operations and R&D / Sales functions based in Erwitte. Ensure effective communication and employee engagement to further develop IMI Climate Control. Promote a culture of continuous improvement, coaching teams to enhance safety, productivity, quality, cost, and delivery. Create a flexible, agile organization that adapts to a fast-paced environment and changing customer needs.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Achieve the committed operating plan.
  • Ensure products are manufactured on schedule, meeting quality standards and cost objectives.
  • Boost productivity and operational delivery.
  • Implement cost reduction initiatives to improve output and factory margins.
  • Lead Lean activities and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Plan capacity and control materials and production.
  • Oversee site facilities, maintenance, industrial engineering, and support activities.
  • Monitor production processes and optimize manpower and equipment use.
  • Collaborate with Engineering to deliver new products on time.
  • Coordinate operations with central planning, purchasing, sales, engineering, HR, and Finance.
  • Develop and nurture internal talent, creating a collaborative site leadership team.
  • Drive annual performance processes and develop local talent through individual succession plans.
  • Lead annual planning, financial results, and meaningful KPIs.
  • Manage capital expenditure, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.
  • Contribute to long-term site vision and investment plans.
  • Enhance core manufacturing capabilities through investments and training.
  • Maintain labor relations and discipline with HR.
  • Ensure adherence to quality standards and customer requirements.
  • Deliver world-class KPIs in Health & Safety, Lean Improvements, On-Time Delivery, Productivity, Quality Costs, Inventory Management,
  • OEE & TPM, Absenteeism, and Overtime Management.
     

Qualifications and Experience:

  • Engineering degree with 10+ years in production within an international, fast-paced industrial corporation.
  • Proven track record in managing complex technical operations and integrating advanced technology.
  • Experience in casting and forging is a plus.
  • Success in improving productivity, inventory turns, and quality.
  • Management experience in high-variation, build-to-order operations.
  • Expertise in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
  • Experience in global companies known for high performance.
  • Proven change leadership with a focus on results and performance.
  • Management experience in performance and talent development.
  • Experience managing multiple complex projects.
  • Fluent in German and English.
     

Personal Characteristics:

  • Inspiring leader driving positive change in a dynamic environment.
  • Ability to connect with others, building enthusiasm and commitment to business goals.
  • Mentor/coach capable of developing high-performing teams and strong succession pipelines.
  • Results-oriented, inspiring trust and confidence in teams and leaders.
  • Success in solving complex issues through collaboration across the value chain.
  • Ideally, geographically mobile in Europe for future opportunities.

 

IMI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status.