At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations and drive business growth alongside the owner.
- Company: Dynamic company seeking a proven operational leader with military experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, and clear progression to Managing Director.
- Other info: Significant autonomy and influence in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business in a key leadership role.
- Qualifications: Ex-military leaders with operational management experience preferred.
A Genuine Second-in-Command Opportunity for a Proven Operational Leader.
This is not a standard General Manager position. We are recruiting a true 2IC to work directly alongside the Business Owner, taking day-to-day control of operations while helping shape the long-term direction of the company. Over time, the role is intended to evolve into a Managing Director-level position for the right individual.
This opportunity is ideally suited to a high-calibre operational leader with a military background who has successfully transitioned into civilian industry and is now looking for a broader leadership challenge. You may currently be working in manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, engineering, supply chain, transport, or operational management and be ready for the next step, moving from departmental leadership into full business leadership.
We are looking for someone who can lead people, improve performance, bring structure to operations, and act as a trusted right-hand to the Owner.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Business Owner, you will play a central role in running and growing the business. You will oversee daily operations across multiple departments, drive operational improvements, manage performance, and help build a strong, accountable culture across the company. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery. You’ll be expected to think commercially, solve problems quickly, and lead from the front. For the right person, this is a long-term succession opportunity with a clear pathway toward Managing Director responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership
- Take ownership of the day-to-day running of the business
- Lead department heads across Warehouse & Logistics, Procurement & Supply Chain, Customer Service, Finance and Digital & E-Commerce
- Ensure operational performance, service delivery, and efficiency targets are achieved
- Identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical improvements
- Business & Commercial Performance
- Work alongside the Owner to deliver the company’s growth plans
- Support budget management, cost control, and profitability targets
- Help drive improvements across systems, processes, and overall business performance
- Monitor operational KPIs and ensure accountability across teams
- People & Culture
- Build a high-performance culture based on accountability, professionalism, and teamwork
- Mentor and develop managers across the business
- Support recruitment and long-term staff development
- Help create a stable, structured, and positive working environment
- Health, Safety & Standards
- Maintain high operational and Health & Safety standards across the business
- Ensure warehouse and logistics operations run efficiently and safely
- Promote a culture of ownership and continuous improvement
This role is particularly well suited to:
- Former Senior NCOs or Officers who have transitioned successfully into civilian industry
- Ex-military leaders currently working in operations, logistics, manufacturing, engineering, warehousing, or supply chain environments
- Individuals ready to move from functional management into wider business leadership
- Leaders who prefer action, accountability, and operational delivery over corporate politics
What matters most is:
- Leadership credibility
- Operational capability
- Commercial awareness
- The ability to manage people and drive standards
- Calm decision-making under pressure
- A hands-on approach to problem solving
Ideal Experience
- Proven experience leading teams in operational environments
- Background in logistics, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, engineering, or supply chain
- Experience managing managers and multiple departments
- Strong organisational and planning capability
- Financial awareness including budgets and operational cost control
- Experience improving systems, workflows, or operational processes
- Comfortable working closely with a business owner or senior leadership team
Experience with ERP systems or operational software platforms would be advantageous.
This is a rare chance to join a growing business in a genuine second-in-command position with:
- Significant autonomy
- Direct exposure to business ownership
- Long-term progression potential
- Clear succession opportunity into a Managing Director-level role
- A chance to shape the future of the business
Package
- £65,000 – £80,000 depending on experience
- Performance-related bonus potential
- Altrincham location
- Long-term progression and succession opportunity
- Senior leadership position with genuine influence
If you’re an operational leader looking for a role where your leadership experience, judgement, and ability to deliver truly matter, we’d like to hear from you.
General Manager in Altrincham employer: Ex-mil Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and growing business in Altrincham as a General Manager, where your military leadership experience will be valued and rewarded. With significant autonomy and a clear pathway to Managing Director responsibilities, you will have the opportunity to shape the company's future while fostering a high-performance culture. Enjoy a supportive work environment that prioritises employee growth, operational excellence, and a commitment to safety and standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Altrincham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections, especially those in the military community or operational roles. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to operational leadership. Think about how your military experience translates into civilian roles and be ready to share specific examples of your achievements.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, emphasise your hands-on approach and ability to drive performance. Be clear about how you can bring structure and accountability to operations, which is key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 Altrincham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the General Manager role. Highlight your operational leadership experience and any relevant military background to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this opportunity and how your unique background makes you the ideal candidate for this second-in-command position.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Include specific examples of how you’ve improved performance, led teams, or driven operational success in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ex-mil Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Military Experience
Make sure to highlight your military background and how it has shaped your leadership skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples of operational challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Familiarise yourself with the company's growth plans and be prepared to discuss how your operational experience can contribute to achieving these goals. Show that you understand the financial aspects of running a business, including budget management and cost control.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your approach to leading teams and building a high-performance culture. Share examples of how you've mentored managers and fostered accountability within your teams, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect situational questions that assess your problem-solving abilities under pressure. Think of past experiences where you had to make quick decisions and how those decisions impacted operational performance. This will demonstrate your hands-on approach to leadership.
