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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform a high-performance precision engineering manufacturing site.
- Company: Join a high-growth, privately owned precision engineering manufacturer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, car allowance, and relocation support.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and to drive operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by reshaping performance and culture in a key manufacturing operation.
- Qualifications: 10-20 years in engineering/manufacturing with hands-on leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.
A privately owned, high-growth precision engineering manufacturer seeks an experienced General Manager to lead and transform one of its principal UK manufacturing operations. The company designs and produces complex, high-integrity engineered components for advanced energy, industrial, and performance‑critical applications.
The role is a pivotal operational leadership position, ideal for a hands‑on manufacturing leader who thrives on visible, front‑line engagement, rapid performance improvement, and long‑term transformation.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will take full responsibility for the performance, capability, and culture of a key precision machining and assembly facility. Your leadership will be approximately 75-80% hands‑on and highly visible, focused on driving improvement directly from the shop floor while providing strategic oversight from the front. Your mission will be to:
- Lead by example - be a consistent, visible presence on the shop floor, guiding and supporting teams while setting and enforcing standards.
- Stabilise and transform performance - introduce operational control, clear KPIs, and daily accountability to restore efficiency, quality, and output.
- Rebuild morale and engagement - create a positive, open, and performance‑driven culture where employees understand objectives and take ownership of results.
- Drive cultural and behavioural change - set expectations, improve communication, and instil pride in performance.
- Implement continuous improvement - embed lean manufacturing, structured problem solving, and visual management to raise productivity and reduce waste.
- Optimise planning and workflow - strengthen scheduling, resource management, and cost control.
- Develop leadership capability - mentor supervisors, technical leads, and support functions to create a robust, accountable management team.
- Lay foundations for future investment - once the site is stabilised, prepare and present detailed business cases for capital expenditure and capacity expansion to the CEO and Board.
This is a true turnaround and transformation assignment - a chance to take an underperforming but strategically important site and turn it into a model of efficiency, engagement, and operational excellence.
About You
You are a confident, technically credible manufacturing leader with a proven track record of improving performance, quality, and culture in precision or high‑performance engineering environments. You are at your best on the factory floor - visible, pragmatic, and leading from the front. You understand that transformation comes from clear standards, disciplined execution, and engaged people. You will bring:
- Education: Degree (BEng/MEng/BSc) in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Production Engineering. Chartered Engineer (CEng) preferred but not essential.
- Experience: 10-20 years in engineering/manufacturing, with at least 5 years in senior operational/site leadership.
- Hands‑on leadership style: 75-80% of your time spent on the shop floor, directly guiding teams, setting priorities, and driving measurable results.
- Transformation track record: Proven ability to stabilise, re‑energise, and elevate underperforming manufacturing operations through disciplined processes, KPIs, and leadership.
- Technical grounding: Strong background in CNC machining, small‑batch, or precision manufacturing.
- Change management skills: Able to introduce structure, coach teams, and hold people accountable while building trust and engagement.
- Commercial and analytical skills: Experience managing budgets, cost‑per‑part, and productivity metrics. Capable of preparing CapEx proposals for process improvement and technology investment.
- Continuous improvement expertise: Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent toolkit, with a record of delivering tangible efficiency and quality gains.
- Sector experience: Precision engineering, energy, aerospace, automotive, defence, or other high‑performance industrial sectors.
- Personal impact: Decisive, calm under pressure, authentic, and unafraid to challenge legacy thinking.
The Rewards
- Bonus: up to 25% linked to performance and leadership KPIs
- Car Allowance: included in base; company also offers a salary‑sacrifice electric‑vehicle scheme
- Relocation Support: up to ÂŁ10,000 (HMRC guideline)
This is a rare opportunity to make a measurable difference within a well‑funded, high‑growth precision manufacturer. You'll have the authority to reshape performance from the ground up, deliver cultural renewal, and then lead the site into its next phase of investment and expansion.
How to Apply
All enquiries and applications are handled in strict confidence by Martin Veasey Talent Solutions. Due to the confidential nature of this appointment, NDAs will be required at shortlist stage.
General Manager - High Performance Precision Engineering in England employer: Martin Veasey Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Martin Veasey Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - High Performance Precision Engineering in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, recent projects, and any news. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and insights into the company culture. This can give you a leg up during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to operational leadership. Think about how you would handle specific challenges in precision engineering and be ready to share your strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - High Performance Precision Engineering in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Hands-On Leadership Style: Make sure to highlight your hands-on approach in your application. We want to see how you lead from the front and engage with teams on the shop floor, so share specific examples of your leadership experiences.
Demonstrate Transformation Experience: We’re looking for someone who can stabilise and transform operations. In your application, include details about past roles where you've successfully turned around underperforming teams or processes. Numbers and results speak volumes!
Emphasise Continuous Improvement Skills: Talk about your expertise in lean manufacturing or Six Sigma. We love candidates who can embed continuous improvement practices, so be sure to mention any relevant certifications or projects that showcase your skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Martin Veasey Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics. Brush up on the specific metrics relevant to precision engineering and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive improvements in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Leadership Style
This role requires a visible presence on the shop floor. Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on approach to leadership. Share stories where you directly engaged with teams to solve problems or improve processes, showcasing your ability to lead from the front.
✨Emphasise Cultural Transformation
Cultural change is a big part of this role. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for rebuilding morale and engagement within teams. Think about specific initiatives you've implemented in the past that fostered a positive work environment and led to improved performance.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Expect questions around your experience with change management. Have clear examples ready that illustrate how you've successfully introduced structure and accountability in previous roles, particularly in underperforming environments. Highlight your ability to coach teams through transitions.