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- Tasks: Lead a precision engineering business into its next growth phase with strategic and operational expertise.
- Company: Renowned precision engineering firm serving global industrial markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £85,000+, plus benefits and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a premium engineering business and drive operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Strong engineering background and experience in precision manufacturing operations.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team of 50-80 people where visible leadership matters.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 119000 £ per year.
A long-established precision engineering and manufacturing business, renowned for technical excellence, reliability and a premium engineering ethos. The business serves demanding industrial markets including Automotive OEMs, Aerospace, Defence, Oil & Gas and Industrial Equipment, supplying global clients with complex, value-engineered solutions.
Operating across the UK and Far East, the company combines core capabilities in design, advanced machining, inspection, and process control, supported by a strong culture of operational discipline and customer-focused delivery. This is a hands-on, high-growth environment, where leadership is visible, accountable, and engaged in both operational detail and strategic development.
The General Manager will lead the business into its next phase of growth, combining commercial acumen with operational expertise. Reporting to the Board, this individual will partner closely with the current General Manager, overseeing production and operations while driving the development of new customer relationships and expanding the order book.
Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic and operational leadership across UK and Far East operations.
- Shared P&L ownership, ensuring profitable growth and disciplined cost control.
- Customer engagement, acting as a credible, technically knowledgeable point of contact for demanding global OEM clients.
- Operational excellence, including process standardisation, workflow scheduling, quality assurance, MRP discipline, and integrated supply chain planning.
- Hands-on leadership, supporting operations, production planning, capacity management, and team development.
- Driving sales development while safeguarding the company's reputation for precision, reliability, and value-added engineering.
The successful candidate will be confident, decisive, and credible in front of demanding clients, and comfortable operating in a small, highly technical company (50~80 people) where visible leadership and execution matter.
The Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a leader who combines:
- Strong engineering credibility, ideally trained in metal, machining, systems or mechanical engineering.
- Experience in precision engineering, manufacturing operations or value-engineered industrial production.
- Commercial experience in customer-facing, high-value industrial markets.
- Strong operational capability, including production planning, scheduling, MRP/ERP systems, workflow optimisation and quality control.
- Financial literacy, including P&L management, budgeting and ROI assessment.
- Experience in multi-site or international operations, preferably with exposure to China or offshore manufacturing.
- Charismatic, hands-on leadership with a proven ability to develop teams, embed culture, and execute strategy.
This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a premium engineering business, unlocking growth, driving operational excellence, and delivering measurable commercial outcomes.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search being conducted exclusively by Elevation Executive Search. Please submit a confidential expression of interest, including CV and covering note, to: Carl Walker – Elevation Executive Search.
General Manager employer: Parkinson Lee
Contact Detail:
Parkinson Lee 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 industry contacts, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, culture, and recent news. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to impress with your knowledge and enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. We can’t stress enough how important it is to articulate your experience and skills clearly, especially when you're aiming for a leadership role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your interest and professionalism, and we believe it can set you apart from other candidates.
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 experiences that align with the General Manager role. Highlight your engineering background and any relevant operational leadership experience to 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 driven growth and operational excellence in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know about your hands-on leadership approach! Describe how you've developed teams and fostered a strong culture in past positions, especially in technical environments.
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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkinson Lee
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your engineering knowledge, especially in precision engineering and manufacturing operations. Be ready to discuss specific projects or experiences that showcase your technical expertise and how it relates to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership approach and how you've successfully developed teams in the past. Think of examples where you've driven operational excellence and engaged with your team to achieve strategic goals.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the company’s position in the market, especially its clients in automotive, aerospace, and defence. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to expanding customer relationships and driving sales development.
✨Be Ready for Financial Discussions
Since P&L management is key for this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with budgeting, ROI assessment, and financial literacy. Bring examples of how you've managed costs while ensuring profitable growth in previous roles.
