At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operations in a dynamic subcontract machining environment.
- Company: Established Birmingham machining business with strong investment backing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous bonuses, car allowance, pension, and private medical.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and impact in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing manufacturing site with real autonomy.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in precision engineering and subcontract machining.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a General Manager on behalf of our client, a well-established subcontract machining business based in Birmingham, forming part of a very successful private group and a wider manufacturing group that has just secured significant investment to drive the next phase of growth.
What's on Offer:
- Competitive salary, commensurate with experience: £100k
- Generous bonus potential
- Car allowance
- Pension
- Private medical
- The backing of a well-funded, ambitious Group with genuine investment behind this site
- A high-impact leadership role with real autonomy and a clear growth mandate
- The opportunity to shape the future of an established Birmingham manufacturing business
The opportunity:
Following this investment, our client is looking for an experienced General Manager to take full operational and commercial control of the site. This is a rare opportunity to lead a business with real backing behind it: new capital, group-level support, and a clear mandate to modernise, grow, and strengthen the site's position in the subcontract machining market. The successful candidate will take ownership of day-to-day operations while shaping the strategic direction of the business, reporting directly into the Group board.
The Role:
As General Manager, you will be responsible for the full performance of the site, including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people, while acting as the driving force behind the site's growth plan. Key responsibilities include:
- Full P&L accountability for the Birmingham site
- Leading and developing the operations, production, quality, and commercial teams
- Overseeing production planning, capacity, and on-time delivery performance across a subcontract machining environment (CNC turning/milling, multi-axis, etc.)
- Driving investment plans, including new machinery, capital equipment, facility improvements, and process upgrades
- Building and maintaining strong customer relationships, supporting business development and new account wins
- Ensuring compliance with quality standards
- Embedding lean manufacturing principles and driving continuous improvement across the site
- Managing supplier relationships, procurement, and cost control
- Reporting site performance, KPIs, and strategic progress to the Group leadership team
- Building a strong leadership team and positive site culture as the business scales
About You:
Our client is looking for a genuinely experienced manufacturing leader: someone who has run a site or business unit before and understands subcontract machining inside out. You will likely have:
- Significant senior leadership experience within precision engineering / subcontract machining, ideally as a General Manager, Operations Director, or Site Director
- A strong technical understanding of CNC machining processes, production planning, and quality systems
- A track record of improving site performance, including delivery, efficiency, margin, and quality
- Experience managing P&L and making commercially sound decisions
- Strong people leadership skills, with experience building and developing teams
- Experience of capital investment projects, such as new equipment, facility upgrades, or business transformation
- Excellent communication skills, comfortable engaging with customers, suppliers, and Group stakeholders alike
- A hands-on, visible leadership style; this is not a desk-only role
Experience within a group-owned or private equity-backed manufacturing business would be an advantage but is not essential. Apply now for a confidential chat. Our client is an equal opportunities employer.
General Manager - Subcontract Machining in Birmingham employer: EVERLINKED LTD
Join a well-established manufacturing business in Cumbria as a Health & Safety Officer, where your expertise will directly contribute to fostering a robust safety culture. With a commitment to employee development and a collaborative work environment, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact while enjoying comprehensive training opportunities and a supportive team atmosphere. Experience the unique advantage of working in a thriving sector that values safety and employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Subcontract Machining in Birmingham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like EVERLINKED LTD, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - Subcontract Machining in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to EVERLINKED LTD specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at EVERLINKED LTD
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with EVERLINKED LTD, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like EVERLINKED LTD value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
