General Manager in Salisbury

We are looking for a skilled General Manager with a strong engineering background and a full understanding of how to run a highly successful business. Our client’s business is predominantly bespoke solutions and contract based typically in conjunction with the end users’ appointed contractors or sub-contractors. The company has a strong network of partners across Europe, North America, Australasia, Asia and South Africa with exports currently accounting for 15 – 20% of turnover.

The business is based on sound principles and has enjoyed steady, sustainable growth. There is a very strong ethos of being trustworthy, honourable and reliable whilst providing expertise in each of its key market sectors. The systems and procedures underpin this commitment and there has been continued investment across all areas of operations including 3D CAD, and integrated MRP, stock and manufacturing systems. There are clear objectives across the business which reduce risk, support the company’s market position and ensure its financial strength.

The successful General Manager will be responsible for the operational and commercial aspects of the business. There will be a focus on sales and marketing, manufacturing, purchasing, quality and technical, Human Resources and importantly full management and input into all financial aspects of the business.

The Role

Reporting to the Managing Director you will be responsible for the day to day operations of the business. You will take the lead on driving the sales and marketing functions, identifying and securing opportunities for new revenue streams, ensuring profitability and the continued commitment to longevity of relationships and the protection of the company’s reputation and brand.

• Oversee all aspects of manufacturing and the service department taking the lead on compliance, safety, efficiencies and quality ensuring that targets are met through thorough planning and careful management of resources.
• To be responsible for all purchasing ensuring the company receives optimal value for money. To establish effective relationships with suppliers including those overseas, negotiating sound contracts and ensuring alternative options are explored and costed.
• To champion and set the standard on all quality and technical issues. To be alert to innovations in the market and changes in statutory requirements and ensure the company keeps pace with what is needed to continue to be an expert in its field and a trusted advisor to its customer base.
• To be responsible for all HR matters ensuring the company attracts and retains high quality personnel and is fully compliant with legislation and good practice. To ensure the company continues to train and develop its people. To be responsible for recruitment and any disciplinary matters.

To be considered… The successful General Manager will ultimately have full P&L responsibility covering all aspects of financial control, budgeting and project costing. You must be able to develop strong and professional relationships with current and potential customers and their agents. You will continue to develop rapport with the company’s international partners and increasingly take on responsibility for the management of overseas distributors.

To be responsible for all compliance and regulatory requirements including Health & Safety ensuring each member of staff is appropriately trained and aware of their personal responsibilities. To be a credible and professional ambassador for the company building excellent relationships with all stakeholders including suppliers, distributors, professional advisers, customers, shareholders and staff.

This is an exceptionally important appointment for a long-standing and well run privately owned company. It is therefore essential that you embrace the company’s principles of honour and integrity and its commitment to longevity of relationships and quality of product and services.

You must be an experienced and very capable general manager who has had responsibility for a broad range of business operations including manufacturing, team leadership and business development. This is likely to have been as a senior member of a management team and you should be able to demonstrate the clear potential to become an integral and effective member of a board of directors within the next two years.

Excellent leadership skills are essential, providing clear direction and focus to the staff, customers and suppliers. Strong financial and commercial acumen are highly important with an ability to get behind the figures, to understand the difference between value and cost and to be alert to the longer-term implications of decisions. Excellent project management skills including the planning and costing of substantial and lengthy contracts is essential.

You will have an engineering background prior to progressing your career into an operations or sales focused management role. Ideally for an SME manufacturer who provide project based high-value solutions-based products and services across a breadth of sectors. You must be highly self-motivated, driven to succeed and committed to playing a leading role in the future success of the business.

Bonus & Company car come as part of the package.