Plant Manager Opportunity | Southern Sweden
We are looking for a Plant Manager to take responsibility for a manufacturing site of approximately 300 employees in Sweden. The client is open to considering experienced Plant Managers from across EU who are willing to undertake full relocation to Sweden. This is a key leadership role within the local organization, carrying overall responsibility for the plant’s operational performance and long-term development. The Plant Manager will lead manufacturing operations and oversee all key support functions, including Production, EHS (Environment, Health & Safety), Quality, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Finance & Controlling, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement. The site is going through a period of development and improvement, creating an opportunity for the Plant Manager to strengthen operational processes, improve efficiency, and support the organization in adopting more structured and effective ways of working.The role requires a practical and engaged leader who is comfortable working closely with the teams on the shop floor, while also being able to set priorities, coordinate across functions, and drive improvements over time. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will have a solid background in manufacturing and experience managing a production operation, ideally in a role such as Plant Manager, Production Manager, Operations Manager, Site Manager, or similar.Key experience and capabilities include:• Experience managing a manufacturing operation and leading teams in a production environment.• Experience within industrial powders manufacturing, foundries, casting operations, or other heavy manufacturing environments would be a strong advantage.• A track record of improving operational performance and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.• Good knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and structured problem-solving methodologies.• Experience working with KPIs and performance management.• Understanding of production planning, supply chain, logistics, inventory, and capacity management.• Experience in a manufacturing environment with changing demand and/or a complex product portfolio.• A practical, hands-on management style with a strong presence on the shop floor.• Ability to lead change, engage employees, and work effectively across different functions.• Previous experience working with Swedish unions and employee representatives.• Strong communication and people management skills.• Fluent English.• Willingness to work on-site in Sweden. Responsibilities
- Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation and performance of the plant, including safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.• Coordinate manufacturing together with supply chain, production planning, logistics, and warehousing to ensure smooth and efficient operations.• Establish clear KPIs and regular performance follow-up, encouraging a fact-based and accountable way of working.• Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement activities across the site.• Improve production planning and scheduling to respond effectively to changing customer requirements and make better use of available capacity.• Work on reducing inventory, improving material flow, and increasing the efficiency of the end-to-end supply chain.• Identify opportunities to reduce lead times, simplify processes, and improve operational flexibility.• Cooperate closely with Finance on cost control, forecasting, and monitoring of operational performance.• Lead and develop the plant management team, creating a collaborative and performance-oriented working environment.• Work with other sites within the organization to share best practices and improve coordination of production and supply chain activities.• Support the implementation of new processes, systems, and operating standards across the plant.• Communicate effectively with employees and key stakeholders throughout periods of change and improvement.• Maintain positive and constructive relationships with unions and employee representatives.
