Plant Manager

Morgan Latif is a specialist leadership search & development consultancy. We partner with clients across the Medical & Dental Technology, Packaging, Consumer, E-mobility, and Industrial Technology sectors to support their transformation and diversity objectives. Our mission is to combine traditional recruitment and coaching methodologies with innovative technology to deliver tailored solutions to both clients and candidates.

Plant Manager – Strategic Manufacturing Leadership Role

Location: Italy / On-site

Confidential Search

The Company

Our client is a well-established international industrial manufacturer operating within the packaging sector.

With a strong European manufacturing footprint and an international customer base, the organisation combines industrial heritage with a clear strategic focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence . The company is actively evolving its manufacturing platform to support the growing demand for high-performance and more sustainable packaging solutions .

As part of this transformation, the group is investing in the development and expansion of one of its key European production sites .

The Opportunity

This is a high-impact leadership role for an experienced Plant Manager who enjoys building strong industrial organisations and leading operational transformation.

The facility plays an important role within the company’s manufacturing network and is entering a significant phase of development , including:

• Expansion of production capacity
• Installation of new manufacturing technologies
• Implementation of advanced operational systems
• Continued professionalisation of plant management and performance processes

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future of the site , strengthen its leadership structure, and build a high-performing operational culture.

This role is ideal for a hands-on industrial leader who enjoys being close to the operation while driving long-term improvement and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead the overall performance of the manufacturing site, ensuring safe and efficient operations
• Create strong operational discipline and clear management routines
• Maintain a visible and engaged leadership presence across the plant

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, and manufacturing cost performance
• Introduce structured performance management and operational KPIs
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability

Systems & Operational Integration

• Support the integration and optimisation of the company’s operational systems and digital tools
• Ensure planning, reporting, and decision-making processes are robust and reliable

Investment & Industrial Development

• Lead the implementation of a multi-year investment programme
• Ensure the successful integration of new equipment and production capabilities
• Support the long-term development of the site as a key manufacturing platform within the group

Leadership & Team Development

• Strengthen the plant leadership team and organisational structure
• Develop future leaders within the site
• Build strong collaboration with regional leadership and central functions

Candidate Profile

The company is seeking a strong industrial leader with the ability to combine operational credibility with structured management and change leadership .

Successful candidates typically demonstrate:

• Experience leading a manufacturing plant or major production operation
• A hands-on leadership style with strong shop-floor engagement
• Proven ability to drive operational improvement and cultural change
• Strong organisational and people leadership capabilities
• Comfort operating within an international, matrix-based organisation

Experience within process manufacturing, packaging materials, plastics, chemicals, or related industrial sectors would be particularly relevant.

We look forward to receiving your application!