Zotefoams plc is a world leader in cellular material technology, with facilities in Croydon, UK; Kentucky and Oklahoma, USA; Brzeg, Poland; and Jiangsu Province, China (T-FIT).
We produce lightweight foams for a wide range of markets including sports and leisure, aviation, automotive, and healthcare. Zotefoams also owns and licenses patented technology and supplies advanced insulation systems.
The Company is on a strong growth trajectory, with significant revenue and profitability increases in recent years and ambitious plans for the future.
About the Role
The
Plant Manager will lead the setup, ramp‑up and ongoing operational management of Zotefoams manufacturing facility in Vietnam.
This is a key leadership role within a greenfield factory environment, responsible for establishing plant operations, building the site leadership team and ensuring operational readiness ahead of production start. The Plant Manager will oversee all manufacturing activities while ensuring alignment with Zotefoams global standards, values and operational practices.
The role is based in
Vietnam and reports to the
Managing Director – Asia.
Role Responsibilities
Plant Setup & Commissioning
- Lead the setup and commissioning of the Vietnam manufacturing facility, including infrastructure, equipment installation and operational processes
- Work closely with engineering teams, contractors and global stakeholders to deliver the project in line with agreed timelines
- Manage project budgets, resources and timelines during the setup phase
- Ensure full operational readiness prior to production start
Production Operations
- Manage overall plant production including planning, scheduling and output performance
- Ensure production targets, productivity levels and operational KPIs are achieved
- Establish stable, efficient and repeatable manufacturing processes
Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE)
- Ensure full compliance with all health, safety and environmental regulations
- Establish and embed a strong safety culture across the site
- Ensure safe operations from day one
Leadership & Team Development
- Build and lead the plant leadership team across production, maintenance, facilities, HSE and support functions
- Recruit, develop and coach plant management and supervisory teams
- Create a performance‑driven and accountable culture
Operational Excellence
- Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives
- Improve productivity, cost efficiency and overall operational performance
- Implement operational best practice aligned to global standards
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with regional and global teams across Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance and HR
- Ensure alignment between plant operations and wider business strategy
- Support product and process industrialisation as required
External & Stakeholder Management
- Represent the plant with local authorities, partners and suppliers as required
- Ensure ongoing compliance with local regulatory and operational standards
Supply Chain
- Oversee plant‑level supply chain activities including materials planning, inventory control and logistics coordination
- Ensure alignment between production plans and material availability
- Work closely with regional and global Supply Chain teams to support operational needs
What you'll need
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or a related discipline
- MBA or equivalent is an advantage
Experience
- 10–15+ years experience in manufacturing operations
- At least 5 years experience in a plant leadership or senior operations role
- Experience of greenfield sites or factory setup is highly desirable
- Experience within multinational manufacturing environments preferred
- Fluency in English (spoken and written); Vietnamese language skills are a plus
Skills
- Strong operational leadership with the ability to build and lead cross‑functional teams
- Proven track record in driving operational performance and continuous improvement
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capability
- Effective stakeholder and partner management skills
What were looking for
We're looking for a hands‑on, commercially minded leader who can operate confidently in a greenfield environment and build a high‑performing manufacturing operation from the ground up.
You will demonstrate
- Strong accountability and resilience
- Flexibility and adaptability in a fast‑changing environment
- Sound judgement and balanced decision‑making
- A collaborative, team‑first mindset
- The ability to lead by example and embed Zotefoams values across the site
Why Join Us
At Zotefoams, we believe in fostering a supportive and innovative environment where everybody can thrive. By joining us, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Our Values
Courage - The courage to take bold action to ensure that we succeed in tackling our challenges and opportunities.
Impact – Dedicated to making a significant and positive impact in everything we do.
Respect - Cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and collaboration is encouraged.
Zotefoams is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees
Zotefoams is a world leader in cellular material technology. Using a unique manufacturing process with environmentally friendly nitrogen expansion, Zotefoams produces lightweight foams in Croydon, UK and Kentucky, USA for diverse markets worldwide. These markets include sports and leisure, storage and protection, automotive, aviation and space, railway, healthcare, building, marine and the military.
