At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-growth manufacturing site and drive operational excellence.
- Company: Join G&H Phoenix, a leader in optical technologies with over 75 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and long-term incentives.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a complex engineering business and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering or significant leadership experience in technical manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The opportunity to shape the future of a high-growth manufacturing business doesn't come along often. As General Manager, you'll lead G&H Phoenix through its next phase of growth, taking full ownership of a technically advanced optical manufacturing site that delivers world-class solutions to customers across Aerospace & Defence, Industrial, and Commercial markets.
At G&H, we're looking for an experienced manufacturing leader who can combine strategic thinking with operational excellence. Based at the heart of the North Wales optical manufacturing district in St. Asaph, this is a rare opportunity to lead a complex engineering business within a global PLC, influencing everything from commercial performance and customer satisfaction to continuous improvement, innovation, and long-term growth. You'll work alongside talented teams who are passionate about precision, quality, and delivering exceptional results in some of the world's most demanding industries.
What's in it for you:
- Lead G&H Phoenix with full site responsibility, including commercial performance and operational delivery.
- Join a globally recognised organisation with more than 75 years of innovation in optical technologies.
- Play a key role in shaping future growth through investment, new product development, and operational excellence.
- Competitive Management and Long-Term Incentive Plans.
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays, competitive pension with salary exchange facility, private health insurance, and an enhanced employee assistance programme.
- Work with international customers and colleagues across a business committed to developing people, innovation, and engineering excellence.
Your responsibilities as General Manager:
- Provide strategic leadership across Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Financial performance while maintaining full P&L accountability.
- Drive profitability through operational efficiencies, cost reduction initiatives, and working capital optimisation.
- Lead Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain functions while working closely with Finance and HR.
- Develop meaningful KPIs, monitor business performance, and implement continuous improvement initiatives across the site.
- Strengthen customer relationships, ensuring quality, delivery, and commercial commitments are consistently achieved.
- Lead investment planning, organisational capability development, compliance with industry standards, and the successful delivery of business strategy.
What we're looking for in a General Manager:
- Degree qualification in Engineering or a Science discipline, or significant leadership experience within a highly technical manufacturing environment.
- Strong commercial experience with full P&L responsibility in a manufacturing business.
- Knowledge of regulated quality standards including ISO and AS9100, with exposure to defence-related compliance frameworks such as DFARS and ITAR being highly advantageous.
- Demonstrated success leading complex manufacturing operations, improving performance, and delivering measurable business results.
- Experience building strong relationships with customers, suppliers, senior stakeholders, and global business partners.
Working hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday. Regular travel to G&H Ilminster, customer sites, suppliers, and other G&H locations will be required.
If you're ready to take ownership of a technically advanced manufacturing business and help shape the future of G&H Phoenix, we'd love to hear from you regarding this General Manager opportunity.
Additional Information:
- Successful applicants must be able to satisfy UK Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance requirements.
- Due to the nature of G&H's work, some positions are subject to UK Government security vetting and export control regulations, which may affect eligibility.
- G&H is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants.
General Manager in Wrexham employer: G&H Ilminster
G&H Phoenix offers an exceptional opportunity for a General Manager to lead a cutting-edge optical manufacturing site in St. Asaph, North Wales. With a strong focus on employee development, innovation, and operational excellence, the company provides competitive benefits including a robust pension scheme, private health insurance, and generous holiday allowances. Join a globally recognised organisation with a rich history in optical technologies, where you can make a significant impact on the future of the business while working alongside passionate teams dedicated to quality and precision.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in Wrexham
✨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 G&H Ilminster, 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 in Wrexham
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 G&H Ilminster 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 G&H Ilminster
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with G&H Ilminster, 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 G&H Ilminster 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.
