At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, drive improvements, and ensure production targets are met.
- Company: Established engineering manufacturer in Greater Manchester with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be the senior figure driving operational excellence in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operational roles within engineering or manufacturing required.
- Other info: Join a team focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
A well established engineering manufacturer in Greater Manchester is searching for a proven Plant General Manager to take ownership of day to day operational performance while driving improvements across production, planning and people leadership. This is a key site within a global group, with solid order books, strong technical capability and a clear operational agenda for the next phase.
You’ll be the senior figure on site, working closely with programme leaders and project scheduling teams to ensure customer commitments are met in full and on time. The role demands someone who can blend structured operational leadership with hands on engagement, guiding a multi skilled workforce through continuous improvement, safety, efficiency and quality expectations.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Full operational leadership of the site, covering production, planning, engineering support, quality and HSE.
- Working closely with project scheduling and programme management teams to translate customer demand into accurate plans and executable schedules.
- Ensuring production targets, OTIF delivery and quality metrics are consistently achieved.
- Leading, coaching and developing team leaders and supervisors, setting clear expectations and strengthening accountability across the plant.
- Identifying and delivering operational improvement activity, including process optimisation, waste reduction and better workflow management.
- Maintaining a safe, compliant, well organised factory environment that meets both internal standards and external regulatory expectations.
- Supporting wider business initiatives, including NPI activity, cost reduction, reliability improvement and operational readiness for future programme demands.
- Acting as the senior presence on site, representing the facility with internal stakeholders and collaborating with the wider group operations network.
Background you’ll need:
- Strong experience in a Plant Manager, Operations Manager or similar senior operational role within engineering or manufacturing.
- Comfortable operating in a technically led environment, ideally with low to medium volume, high complexity assembly or engineered products.
- Proven ability to work with project teams, programme leaders and planning functions to align operational output with customer delivery schedules.
- Track record of improving performance across safety, quality, productivity and cost.
- Natural leader who builds trust, strengthens teams, and brings clarity and structure to operations.
- Engineering qualification Degree or equivalent technical background.
- Confident communicator who can influence across functions and hold senior stakeholders’ attention when it matters.
If you’re an experienced operational leader who thrives in a technically demanding environment and wants to take on a key site leadership role, this one is worth exploring.
General Manager in England employer: Parkinson | Lee Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Parkinson | Lee Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their products, challenges, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've improved performance, led teams, or tackled challenges. Being able to share these experiences confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the General Manager role. Highlight your operational leadership experience and any achievements in improving performance, as this will catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role is in a technically led environment, don’t forget to mention your engineering qualifications and any relevant technical experience. We want to see how you can blend operational leadership with technical know-how!
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 Parkinson | Lee Executive Search
✨Know Your Numbers
Before the interview, brush up on key performance metrics relevant to the role. Understand production targets, OTIF delivery rates, and quality metrics. Being able to discuss these figures confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the operational side but also ready to drive improvements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your approach to coaching and developing team leaders, as well as how you’ve built trust within your workforce. This will demonstrate your capability to blend structured leadership with hands-on engagement.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company’s operational agenda and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Talk about your track record in improving safety, quality, and productivity, and how you can contribute to their future programme demands. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in their success.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the industry. Inquire about their current challenges in production or how they measure success in operational improvements. This not only shows your interest but also positions you as a strategic thinker who is ready to tackle the complexities of the role.