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- Tasks: Lead a busy manufacturing plant and drive operational excellence.
- Company: Family-owned business with ambitious growth plans near Gatwick Airport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in leadership, and support from an experienced team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a key regional operation and inspire a diverse workforce.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in manufacturing leadership and strong people management skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic manufacturing facility.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
A family owned business with highly ambitious growth plans is seeking an experienced and driven General Manager to lead a regional manufacturing facility based near Gatwick Airport. This is a senior leadership role with full responsibility for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of a busy manufacturing plant employing 60+ personnel. You will take ownership of operational performance, people leadership, governance, and continuous improvement, with a clear mandate to increase output, strengthen controls, and deliver exceptional results. Supported by a Head Office function, you will be empowered to lead locally with clarity, focus, and inspiration.
Requirements
- Full operational leadership of the manufacturing plant, ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient day-to-day operations whilst ensuring alignment with strategic objectives
- Accountability for customer satisfaction, GP, production output, performance improvement, and cost control
- Leadership and development of a multi-disciplinary management team and wider workforce (60+ staff)
- Implementation and embedding of Lean manufacturing and 5S methodologies
- Daily management reporting, performance tracking, and KPI ownership
- Responsibility for people activities including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee engagement
About You
You will be a proven manufacturing leader with the credibility and confidence to run a complex operation end-to-end. You will bring:
- Demonstrable experience as a General Manager, Plant Manager, or senior operational leader in a manufacturing environment
- A strong track record of increasing output and improving operational performance
- Excellent understanding of manufacturing governance, controls, and compliance
- A solid, practical grasp of all elements required to operate a manufacturing facility safely and effectively
- Experience leading sizeable teams with multiple direct reports
- Hands-on experience implementing Lean, 5S, or similar continuous improvement frameworks
- Strong people leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and provide clear direction
Benefits
- A senior leadership role with real autonomy and impact
- Support from an experienced Head Office team
- The opportunity to shape and develop a key regional manufacturing operation
- A competitive salary in the region of £75,000 - 90,000 depending on experience and benefits package (details on application)
General Manager employer: Universal Business Team
Contact Detail:
Universal Business Team 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 local events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. 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 culture. Understand their values and how they align with your leadership style. This will help you showcase how you can drive operational performance and inspire the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in increasing output and improving operational performance. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented Lean or 5S methodologies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the General Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, operational achievements, and any relevant manufacturing methodologies you've implemented.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for manufacturing and how your past experiences align with our ambitious growth plans. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you increase output or improve performance? Use numbers to back up your claims and demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Universal Business Team
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of operational performance metrics. Brush up on key figures related to production output, cost control, and customer satisfaction. Be ready to discuss how you've improved these metrics in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong people leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you’ve led a multi-disciplinary team and how you managed performance and engagement.
✨Lean Manufacturing Know-How
Since the company values Lean manufacturing and 5S methodologies, be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these frameworks. Share specific examples of how you've implemented these practices to drive continuous improvement in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand the company's ambitious growth plans and be ready to articulate how your vision aligns with theirs. Show that you’re not just looking to fill a position but are genuinely interested in contributing to their strategic objectives and operational success.
