At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, drive growth, and manage a dynamic team in a cutting-edge engineering environment.
- Company: Join DHX, a leader in hydraulic engineering with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in critical sectors like Renewable Energy and Defence while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in operations management and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for travel and exposure to diverse projects across the UK and beyond.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
DHX is the hydraulic engineering arm of Kinetic Solutions Group, delivering high-performance fluid power systems across critical sectors including Renewable Energy, Defence, and Infrastructure. Known for robust manufacturing, advanced technical capabilities, and precision engineering, DHX supports high-integrity, mission-critical applications worldwide.
We are now seeking a General Manager to play a pivotal role in the success of DHX. Acting as the right-hand person to the Business Unit (BU) Director, you will take ownership of the day-to-day running of the unit – ensuring smooth operations, excellent delivery, and continued growth.
Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership – Oversee day-to-day running of the business unit, ensuring projects and production schedules are delivered to time, quality, and budget.
- Sales & Business Development – Support growth by managing client relationships, identifying new opportunities, and helping to secure and deliver new contracts.
- People Leadership – Providing coaching, clear objectives, and performance management to develop a high-performing culture across a team of around 20 people.
- Financial Performance – Monitor and report on budgets, forecasts, and financial performance, supporting the BU Director in achieving the BU’s £5m+ turnover and profit targets.
- Continuous Improvement – Drive improvements in processes, systems, and ways of working to improve efficiency, safety, and client satisfaction.
- Customer & Stakeholder Management – Ensure excellent client service, acting as a key point of contact for customers and internal stakeholders.
- Compliance & Safety – Ensure all operations are conducted in line with regulatory, quality, and HSE standards relevant to defence, nuclear, and engineering environments.
- Deputising – Represent the BU Director when required, maintaining leadership presence and accountability.
About You
We are looking for a commercially aware, hands-on leader with proven experience in operations management within engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical sector.
Essential skills & experience
- Proven track record in managing operations and production within an engineering/manufacturing environment.
- Experience in sales and/or business development, with ability to manage client relationships and contribute to growth.
- Strong people management skills – experience leading teams, managing performance, and developing staff.
- Commercial awareness, with experience managing budgets, forecasting, and contributing to financial performance.
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with ability to balance strategic focus and day-to-day detail.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to influence stakeholders at all levels.
Desirable skills & experience
- Experience within hydraulics, defence, nuclear, or precision engineering sectors.
- Knowledge of quality management systems and HSE standards relevant to engineering.
- Degree or equivalent qualification in engineering, operations management, or business.
Location
Heckmondwike
Travel
Required to customer sites across the UK and occasionally overseas.
Job Benefits
- Competitive Salary: A competitive salary aligned with your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the business.
- Professional Development: Ongoing training, development, and support for professional qualifications, including opportunities for career progression.
- Annual Leave: Enjoy 25 days of holiday per year, plus 8 statutory.
General Manager - DHX - Denley Hydraulic Solutions in Leeds employer: Jobster
Contact Detail:
Jobster Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - DHX - Denley Hydraulic Solutions in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their projects and values, especially in sectors like renewable energy and defence. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in DHX.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of General Manager. Highlight your operational leadership skills and how you've driven growth in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at DHX. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - DHX - Denley Hydraulic Solutions in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role at DHX. Highlight your experience in operations management, sales, and people leadership, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in similar environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for DHX. Mention your passion for engineering and how your skills align with our mission in delivering high-performance fluid power systems.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know about your leadership style! In your application, share how you've developed teams and driven performance in the past. This will help us see how you can contribute to our high-performing culture at DHX.
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 on joining our team at DHX!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobster
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of hydraulic engineering and the specific challenges DHX faces. Brush up on recent projects, industry trends, and how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your operational leadership and people management skills. Think about times you've successfully led a team or improved processes, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and contributed to financial performance in previous roles. Show them you understand the importance of profitability and growth in a competitive market.
✨Engage with Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about DHX's future projects, client relationships, and team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.