Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in aerospace manufacturing, ensuring operational excellence and financial performance.
- Company: A leading UK manufacturer in the aerospace and defence sectors with strong growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £100,000 plus benefits, with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a secure and innovative environment while driving site performance.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in aerospace or defence manufacturing with P&L responsibility.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on delivering complex projects for Tier 1 clients.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 120000 £ per year.
A UK manufacturer supplying the aerospace and defence sectors. The business operates secure manufacturing capability and delivers complex composite components into major defence and aerospace programmes. With turnover of c£21m and forecast growth towards £30m, market conditions are strong and programme demand is secure. Customers include leading Tier 1 organisations such as BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin. The focus now is execution, margin discipline and operational structure.
The facility is the core UK manufacturing site and the engine room of the operation.
We are seeking a General Manager to take full P&L responsibility for the site. This role carries accountability for c180 employees across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, quality and support functions. The site includes secure clean room capability and full composite production processes, including filament winding and resin infusion. The appointment has been created to allow the Managing Director to focus on wider group strategy, acquisitions and footprint expansion. This role is therefore central to driving site performance, operational control and financial delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Full P&L ownership of the facility
- Leadership of c180 employees within a technically complex, regulated environment
- Delivery performance across production, quality and supply chain
- Margin protection, overhead control and cost management
- Strengthening Manufacturing Engineering capability, particularly around NPI and programme introduction
- Embedding operational cadence and performance management discipline
- Operating effectively within a group matrix structure
In addition, this role contributes to wider group decisions including:
- Programme allocation across UK and Swedish entities
- Capacity and capability planning
- Margin and commercial assessment
- Security and compliance considerations
This is a hands-on leadership role with clear accountability for making the site perform.
The Candidate
We are looking for a commercially aware manufacturing leader capable of running a technically complex aerospace or defence site.
Essential Experience
- Proven P&L responsibility within aerospace or defence manufacturing
- Leadership of 150 plus employees
- Exposure to regulated or secure manufacturing environments
- Strong financial acumen with demonstrable cost and margin control
- Experience strengthening Manufacturing Engineering and leading NPI activity
Desirable
- Composite manufacturing experience
- Experience operating within a matrix structure
- Exposure to Tier 1 aerospace customers
This role requires operational grip, financial control and the ability to contribute credibly at group level.
Package £100,000 plus package. North Yorkshire - great commuting areas across Durham & Darlington and parts of Yorkshire. Full details available upon confidential discussion.
General Manager in Durham employer: Elevation Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Elevation Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Understand their products and services, especially in aerospace and defence. This will help you speak their language and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of General Manager. Highlight your P&L responsibility and leadership skills, and don’t forget to mention any relevant achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in P&L responsibility and leadership in manufacturing, especially in aerospace or defence. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the General Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've improved margins or led teams in complex environments. We love a good story!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, focus on your experience with regulated manufacturing and any exposure to Tier 1 aerospace customers. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make it clear how you can contribute from day one.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elevation Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial acumen. Brush up on your P&L management skills and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved margins or controlled costs in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
With responsibility for around 180 employees, it's crucial to convey your leadership approach. Prepare to share stories that highlight your experience in managing large teams, especially in complex and regulated environments like aerospace or defence.
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the aerospace and defence sectors. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the company's growth and operational performance, particularly in relation to Tier 1 customers like BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin.
✨Prepare for Operational Challenges
This role is hands-on, so think about the operational challenges you might face. Be ready to discuss how you would strengthen manufacturing engineering capabilities and manage new product introductions effectively within a matrix structure.