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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, drive improvements, and ensure production targets are met.
- Company: Established engineering manufacturer with a strong global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be the senior figure in a dynamic environment and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operational roles within engineering or manufacturing.
- Other info: Join a team focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence.
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 Wakefield 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 Wakefield
✨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 driven improvements or led teams successfully. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it shows your commitment and makes it easier for us to track your application.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager in Wakefield
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 tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and driven improvements in previous positions.
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 for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
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. Be ready to discuss how you've improved safety, quality, and productivity in your previous positions. This shows you understand the operational landscape and can drive results.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership approach. Discuss how you've coached and developed teams in the past, and be specific about the outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to lead a multi-skilled workforce effectively.
✨Understand the Company’s Goals
Research the company’s current projects and future initiatives. Being able to align your experience with their operational agenda will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also genuinely interested in contributing to 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 will position you as a proactive candidate who is ready to engage.
