At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a fast-paced manufacturing project, building a 200+ person site in just 16 weeks.
- Company: Unipart Manufacturing, a leader in supply chain performance improvement.
- Benefits: Up to £90,000 salary, 33 days holiday, pension, bonus, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and supporting your best performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with rapid growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing leadership, technical expertise in electrification and injection moulding.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Coventry
Up to £90,000 plus car/car allowance, 33 days holiday (including bank holidays), pension, bonus, life assurance, employee assistance programme, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme.
About the Role
Unipart Manufacturing is launching a flagship, fast-paced manufacturing project in Coventry, combining high-volume electrification assembly with complex injection moulding inputs. Fully aligned with Unipart’s Sector and Growth Strategy and The Unipart Way Forward Plan, this role carries full end-to-end accountability for building a 200+ person site from the ground up within 16 weeks. We are seeking a high-velocity, commercially sharp General Manager to lead site mobilisation, embed Unipart Way systems, drive operational delivery, and position this contract to evolve into a standalone business unit.
As part of your key responsibilities you’ll focus on:
- Rapid Workforce Mobilisation - Lead workforce planning, talent resourcing, and onboarding to scale operations from 0 to 200+ team members within 4 months.
- P&L and Commercial Leadership - Take full P&L accountability, managing budgets, driving cost efficiency, optimising resource allocation, and identifying accretive growth opportunities.
- Operational Excellence - Oversee site Health, Safety, Environment, Quality, and daily throughput across electrification assembly and injection moulding lines.
- Culture and The Unipart Way - Embed Unipart Way systems, continuous improvement tools, and problem-solving methodologies across all shifts, serving as a role model.
- Partner and Customer Engagement - Act as senior operational liaison, supporting the Manufacturing Partner Strategy, managing executive customer relationships, and delivering on key contract milestones.
About You
We’d love you to have the following skills and experience, but please apply if you think you’d be able to perform well in this role!
- Scale-Up Leadership - Proven track record as a General Manager or Operations Director leading volume-driven manufacturing plants (100–250+ colleagues) through rapid growth or mobilisation.
- Technical Expertise - Experience in electrification/electromechanical assembly, injection moulding, or complex automotive/industrial operations.
- Lean Mastery - Deep understanding of continuous improvement tools (The Unipart Way, Lean, Six Sigma) and employee engagement systems.
- Commercial Acumen - Strong background in full P&L ownership, customer relationship management, and driving strategic execution.
- Qualifications - Degree (or equivalent) in an engineering or business discipline; Lean Six Sigma certification is desirable.
About Unipart
We are a supply chain performance improvement partner. We Design, Make, Move, and Improve components in our customers’ supply chains, keeping their operations and assets moving and working better, for longer. Through our commitment to continuously driving operational efficiencies, we improve performance - saving time, cost, and carbon. Our ambition is to be the driving force behind efficient, resilient, and sustainable supply chains.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We believe that a great workplace is one where you can bring your whole self to work. Our recruitment process is designed to be accessible, inclusive, and based entirely on merit. We define merit through a combination of technical skills and the core behaviours that help our people thrive at Unipart. We welcome applications from everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity that exceeds our statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and subsequent legislation. Whether it’s your age, disability, neurodiversity, gender identity, family status, or any other characteristic that makes you ‘you’ - it is your talent and potential that we value most. Adjustments for you: We want you to perform at your best. If you require any reasonable adjustments or have specific accessibility needs at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know. We are here to support you.
General Manager - Manufacturing (assembly with electrification and injection moulding inputs) in Coventry employer: Unipart
Unipart in Magna Park is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and a strong safety culture, making it an ideal place for those looking to grow their careers in supply chain management. With a focus on continuous improvement and lean practices, team members are encouraged to collaborate and innovate, ensuring a rewarding work environment that values each individual's contribution. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your efforts directly impact our commitment to delivering world-class service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Manufacturing (assembly with electrification and injection moulding inputs) in Coventry
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Unipart, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - Manufacturing (assembly with electrification and injection moulding inputs) in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Unipart specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unipart
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Unipart, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Unipart value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
