Plant Manager

Job Purpose

The Plant Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of the Birmingham manufacturing facility. Reporting to the Director, Europe Operations, the role has full accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, people development, customer satisfaction, and plant profitability. The Plant Manager will lead all functional areas of the operation, driving operational excellence through the Dana Operating System and Lean Manufacturing principles while ensuring the plant achieves or exceeds its business, operational, and financial objectives. The role serves as the primary site leader for employees, customers, suppliers, and corporate stakeholders.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the overall operation of the Birmingham facility.

• Develop and execute site strategies aligned with business objectives.

• Build a culture of accountability, engagement, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

• Promote a safe, inclusive, and high-performing working environment. Health, Safety & Environment

• Provide visible leadership for all health, safety, and environmental activities.

• Ensure compliance with UK legislation and Dana standards.

• Drive continuous improvement in safety performance and employee wellbeing. Customer, Quality & Compliance

• Maintain strong customer relationships and act as the primary escalation point for the site.

• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, quality standards, and regulatory obligations.

• Lead structured problem-solving and continuous improvement activities to drive customer satisfaction.

• Champion a culture focused on delivering zero defects and operational excellence. Operations Excellence

• Lead manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, supply chain, materials, and operational support functions.

• Drive continuous improvement through Lean Manufacturing and Dana Operating System principles.

• Ensure operational readiness to meet customer demand and support future growth.

• Lead successful product launches and business improvement initiatives. Financial & P&L Management

• Hold full responsibility for plant Profit & Loss performance.

• Develop and deliver annual operating plans, budgets, and forecasts.

• Drive profitability through productivity improvements, cost reduction, waste elimination, and effective capital investment.

• Manage working capital, inventory, operating expenses, and capital expenditure.

• Ensure achievement of financial commitments and business targets. People & Employee Relations

• Develop organisational capability through coaching, development, and performance management.

• Support employee engagement, talent development, and retention.

• Partner with Human Resources to maintain positive employee relations.

• Lead communication and engagement initiatives across the site.

Education and Qualifications

Education

• Batchelors degree or 4+ years of applicable experience Experience

• Significant (12+ years) manufacturing leadership experience within a complex industrial or automotive environment.

• Proven track record of leading operational and cultural transformation.

• Experience managing customer relationships and leading cross-functional teams

Skills

Key Competencies

• Strategic and commercial thinking
• Financial and business acumen
• Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence
• Leadership and people development
• Customer focus and stakeholder management
• Decision making and problem solving
• Effective communication and influencing skills
• Change leadership and continuous improvement

Success Measures Performance in the role will be measured through:

• Safety performance
• Plant profitability and financial results
• Quality and customer satisfaction
• Delivery and operational performance
• Productivity and cost improvement
• Employee engagement and talent development
• Successful execution of strategic objectives and programme launches

What We Offer

At Dana, we are committed to rewarding our people and supporting their wellbeing, both inside and outside of work. In return for your contribution, you'll benefit from:

Competitive Salary Enhanced Holiday Allowance Generous Employer Pension Contributions Life Assurance Cover Private Medical Insurance Company Bonus Scheme Car Allowance