At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team and take full ownership of site operations.
- Company: Respected FMCG packing and manufacturing business in Blackburn/Burnley.
- Benefits: 30-34 days holiday, enhanced sick pay, private health insurance, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and a supportive team in a close-knit environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a well-established business with real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in general management and P&L ownership in FMCG.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Real P&L ownership. Full site leadership. The freedom to run things independently, in a well-established and highly respected FMCG packing and manufacturing business in the Blackburn/Burnley area.
Salary: Disclosed at first stage interview | Permanent | Blackburn/Burnley area
Full site autonomy with board-level reporting. Senior leadership role with a ready-made management team.
- 30 days holiday in first year rising to 34 days (service related)
- Service-related enhanced Sick Pay Scheme
- Enhanced Employer Pension Contributions
- Private Health Insurance Scheme
- Membership of Group Life Insurance Scheme (3 x salary)
This is a well-established packing and manufacturing operation in the Blackburn/Burnley area, working with FMCG brands across the UK. The business operates to GS certification and holds product safety and GMP standards. It's a close-knit site where experienced people are trusted to make decisions and get on with the job.
As General Manager, you'll take full ownership of the business: leading a team of managers across customer services, operations, QA, engineering and finance; reporting directly to the board with the authority to shape how the business runs and grows.
You'll:
- Chair the daily management team meeting, setting the tone for performance and accountability
- Own the P&L, overseeing labour, materials, and overheads with full financial sign-off authority
- Act as the senior client contact, managing SLAs, contracts, and renewals across the customer base
- Drive continuous improvement, capital investment proposals, and business development opportunities
- Lead compliance with BRCGS, safety, GMP, H&S, and all regulatory standards
- Develop your management team through 1:1s, appraisals, and clear performance frameworks
- Report results, risks, and opportunities to the board on a regular basis
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- Proven background in general management or senior operations leadership within FMCG manufacturing or packing
- Direct proven P&L ownership experience
- Strong working knowledge of BRCGS, food safety, and GMP standards
- Experience leading multi-functional site teams
- Customer contract and SLA management experience
Useful, not essential:
- Background in supply chain or procurement within an FMCG environment
This is a role where the scope is broad and the impact is visible and rewarding. You'll have the resources, the team, and the trust to lead the site forward. Please press apply today.
General Manager employer: Keswick Enterprises Limited
Contact Detail:
Keswick Enterprises Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FMCG sector, especially those who know the Blackburn/Burnley area. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the company culture and even potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company's values and recent projects. Show us that you understand their P&L ownership and how you can drive continuous improvement. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership experience in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to convey your vision for the role and how you plan to lead the team effectively. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can set you apart. It shows us that you’re genuinely interested and proactive.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the General Manager role. Highlight your P&L ownership and leadership experience in FMCG, as this is what we’re really looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for our close-knit team. Share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement and managed multi-functional teams.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in areas like compliance and customer contract management.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keswick Enterprises Limited
✨Know Your P&L Inside Out
As a General Manager, you'll be expected to own the P&L. Make sure you can discuss your previous experiences with financial oversight confidently. Prepare specific examples of how you've managed budgets, reduced costs, or increased profitability in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role involves leading a team of managers across various functions. Be ready to share your leadership philosophy and how you've developed teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you've driven performance or improved team dynamics.
✨Understand Compliance Standards
Familiarise yourself with BRCGS, food safety, and GMP standards. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous positions. Highlight any initiatives you've led that improved safety or quality standards on-site.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Reporting
Since you'll be reporting directly to the board, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you would present results, risks, and opportunities. Consider what metrics are most important to stakeholders and how you would address them.