General Manager in Harpenden

We are working with a growing specialist business operating across the environmental, construction and technical services sectors. Having secured several significant contracts, the company is now looking for a General Manager to take day-to-day ownership of a busy and expanding testing operation. This is fundamentally a people and operations role. You will inherit an established team, but there is plenty to improve. The business needs someone who can bring structure, develop its people and make sure the operation continues to work as volumes increase. It is likely to suit somebody who enjoys being close to the detail. You will need to understand what is happening on the ground, spot where processes are breaking down and then follow improvements through properly. This is not a role for someone who wants to manage entirely from a spreadsheet or from home.

The role involves the overall running of the testing operation, leading a team of six field-based technicians alongside three to four office-based coordinators and administrators. The work involves the collection, processing and reporting of tens of thousands of samples each year. Your job will be to make sure that operation runs safely, efficiently and consistently while continuing to meet client expectations.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, supporting and developing both the field-based and office teams
• Improving the flow of work from initial booking and sample collection through to processing and final reporting
• Reviewing existing processes and introducing practical improvements
• Ensuring workloads, resources and priorities are managed effectively
• Maintaining high standards around health and safety, compliance and quality
• Spending time with technicians in the field to understand their work, provide training and make sure procedures are being followed
• Building strong relationships with clients, suppliers and external partners
• Handling operational issues and finding sensible, workable solutions
• Supporting the continued development of the company’s customer and operational systems
• Working closely with the senior leadership team as the division continues to grow

What we are looking for:

Previous experience within environmental testing, laboratory services, construction materials, waste, geotechnical services or a related technical sector would be useful, but it is not essential. The priority is finding a credible operational leader who can manage people, strengthen processes and implement change without overcomplicating things. You are likely to be someone who:

• Has managed a mixed operational team, ideally including field-based employees
• Is comfortable holding people accountable while remaining supportive and approachable
• Can bring order and consistency to a fast-moving operation
• Has experience reviewing processes and successfully putting improvements into practice
• Is willing to get involved rather than managing from a distance
• Can balance operational detail with the wider commercial picture
• Communicates clearly with employees, clients and senior colleagues
• Makes sound decisions and knows when an issue needs escalating
• Is practical, calm and solutions-focused when priorities change
• Has a genuine interest in developing people and building a strong team

Working arrangements:

A regular presence at the company’s Hertfordshire office is essential. The successful person needs to be visible, accessible and involved in the day-to-day operation, including the informal conversations where problems are often identified early. There will also be travel to visit field technicians, observe work, provide coaching and ensure health and safety standards are being followed. For that reason, this is not available as a remote-working position.

Package:

• Salary around £50,000, depending on experience
• Car allowance
• Pension
• Private healthcare
• Generous annual leave
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Genuine scope to shape the operation and grow with the business

This is a good opportunity for someone who wants real ownership rather than simply maintaining what is already there. The business is growing, the testing division is busy, and the successful person will have the backing to make meaningful improvements.