At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and drive growth at EcoSIP, a sustainable packaging start-up.
- Company: EcoSIP is a purpose-driven start-up focused on innovative, eco-friendly drink packaging solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, share options, flexible hours, and 25 days holiday plus your birthday off!
- Other info: This role offers significant growth potential as the company expands into new markets.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced, impactful company where you can shape the future of sustainable packaging.
- Qualifications: Strong operational experience in manufacturing or logistics, ideally in beverage or food packaging.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 45000 £ per year.
Job Description
General Manager (Operations & Growth)
Are you ambitious and motivated for a great challenge - then you might be our new General Manager.
Location: Leighton Buzzard, UK (On Site)
Salary: £45,000 – £50,000 DOE + growth/performance bonus and potential/ share options
Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week, Mon–Fri)
Start Date: ASAP
Reports to: Founding Directors
About EcoSIP
EcoSIP is a purpose-driven start-up on a mission to make drinks packaging more sustainable, efficient, and beautiful. Our patent-pending packaging innovations offer a lower-carbon alternative to traditional glass and plastic bottles — and we’re growing fast.
We’re now looking for a highly capable, ambitious General Manager to take full operational ownership of the business. If you’re passionate about sustainability, thrive in a fast-moving environment, and want to build something that matters, this could be the role for you. The role is a newly created position.
The Opportunity
This is a senior-management role . As General Manager, you will be the engine behind EcoSIP’s day-to-day operations and future growth. Working closely with the Board, you’ll have significant autonomy to run and shape the business. You’ll be responsible for production, finance, logistics, supplier relationships, internal processes, and team development — and as we grow, so will your role.
Key Resp
nsibilitiesBusiness Operations & Office Management
- While you are not directly responsible for sales you will act as primary point of contact for all operational, supplier, and administrative queries.
- Lead, define and refine day-to-day business processes and office systems.
- Maintain and evolve company documentation, policies, H&S and CRM.
- Coordinate with IT/telecoms support providers and manage basic tech needs.
Production & Supply Chain Management
- Own the full production schedule from planning to delivery.
- Suggest and Implement production planning function
- Manage goods in/out, inventory, packaging procurement, and logistics.
- Liaise with packaging and manufacturing partners; raise purchase orders and track samples.
- Implement and manage production planning tools/software.
- Monitor quality control, workplace safety, and accident reporting (H&S lead).
Financial Oversight
- Raise and issue sales invoices; manage customer payments and supplier reconciliations.
- Review and verify purchase invoices, payment runs, and bank reconciliations.
- Liaise with the company’s CFO.
- Assist in sales targets, budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning.
Team & Culture
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, and people policies.
- Coordinate performance reviews, training, and internal updates.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, values-led workplace culture.
About You
You’re a dynamic, solutions-focused leader who’s equally comfortable on the warehouse floor, on a spreadsheet, or in a strategic meeting. You enjoy variety, thrive in autonomy, and want to work for a purpose-led business with real impact.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Strong operational/GM-level experience in a manufacturing or logistics business (ideally in beverage or food packaging).
- Excellent problem-solving, time management, and prioritisation skills.
- Hands-on and self-starting, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Proficient in cloud-based systems (e.g. Google Docs, Xero, Slack, Monday.com).
- Personable, proactive, and emotionally intelligent — a natural communicator.
Bonus Points For:
- Experience in sustainable packaging, FMCG, or drinks manufacturing.
- Start-up or scale-up experience.
- Experience with SALSA / BRCGS certification and HACCP processes
- Familiarity with lean production or continuous improvement principles.
- A keen interest in sustainability and environmental impact.
What We Offer
- £45,000–£50,000 base salary (depending on experience)
- Significant share options - to share in the future success of the company
- Performance and growth-based bonus potential
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays + your birthday off (but you must bring cake for everyone)
- Flexible working hours (core hours 9–5)
- Work Place Pension scheme
- Fun, values-led culture with regular socials and sustainability-themed events
- Huge opportunity for progression as the business continues to grow
Growth Path
We’re building a business for the long-term, and we want someone who’ll grow with us. As we expand into new markets, clients, and packaging formats, this role has the potential to evolve into a strategic leadership position — with greater responsibility, compensation, and potential equity participation for the right candidate.
How to ApplySend your CV and a short cover letter explaining why you’d be a great fit to:
📧 hello@ecosip.co
Deadline for applications: no later than August 1st, 2025
Interviews: Ongoing – early applications encouraged
General Manager (Operations & Growth) in Leighton Buzzard employer: ecoSIP
EcoSIP is an exceptional employer that champions sustainability and innovation in the beverage packaging industry. Located in Leighton Buzzard, our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering significant opportunities for career advancement alongside competitive salaries and performance bonuses. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working hours and a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (Operations & Growth) in Leighton Buzzard
✨Tip Number 1
Research EcoSIP's mission and values thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and innovative packaging will help you align your conversation during interviews, showcasing your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sustainable packaging and beverage sectors. Attend relevant industry events or join online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your operational leadership skills. Highlight instances where you've successfully managed production schedules, improved processes, or led teams in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with cloud-based systems mentioned in the job description, such as Google Docs and Monday.com. Being able to discuss your proficiency with these tools will show your readiness to hit the ground running.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager (Operations & Growth) in Leighton Buzzard
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in operations and management, particularly in manufacturing or logistics. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about sustainability and how your skills align with EcoSIP's mission. Be specific about your previous experiences that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills:Provide examples in your application of how you've successfully solved operational challenges in past roles. This will demonstrate your capability as a dynamic leader who can thrive in a fast-moving environment.
Highlight Cultural Fit:EcoSIP values a positive, collaborative workplace culture. Mention any experiences that showcase your ability to foster teamwork and a values-led environment, which will resonate well with the company's ethos.
How to prepare for a job interview at ecoSIP
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
As EcoSIP is a purpose-driven company, it's crucial to express your genuine interest in sustainability during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to environmental issues and how they align with the company's mission.
✨Demonstrate Operational Expertise
Given the role's focus on operations and growth, be prepared to discuss your previous experience in managing operations within a manufacturing or logistics environment. Highlight specific examples where you improved processes or led successful projects.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to face questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples of challenges you've encountered in past roles and how you approached them. This will showcase your ability to think critically and act decisively in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership and Culture Fit
As a General Manager, you'll be responsible for team development and fostering a positive workplace culture. Be ready to discuss your leadership style, how you manage recruitment and onboarding, and ways you've contributed to a collaborative work environment.
