General Manager

Porterhouse Recruitment; Bletchley; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

An established home improvement business specialising in windows, doors, conservatories and extensions is looking to appoint an experienced General Manager to take responsibility for the smooth running and commercial performance of its conservatory and extension division.

This is a senior, hands-on position for someone who understands how residential improvement projects move from initial sale through surveying, manufacture, installation and final completion.

Initially, the focus will be on managing the conservatory and extension operation, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, profitably and to a high standard. As the role develops, there will be scope to become involved in the wider management and direction of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the conservatory and extension division.
• Oversee projects from handover following sale through to completion and customer sign-off.
• Coordinate surveyors, installers, builders, subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams.
• Ensure labour, materials and resources are planned effectively.
• Monitor project schedules and take action where delays or problems arise.
• Maintain strong control over project costs, margins and profitability.
• Review workloads and ensure resources are being used effectively.
• Identify areas where systems, processes and working practices can be improved.
• Work closely with the sales, surveying, installation and administration teams.
• Manage operational issues, customer concerns and project complications through to resolution.
• Ensure high standards of customer service are maintained throughout each project.
• Monitor performance against agreed targets and management information.
• Support the development of more efficient and commercially effective working practices.
• Manage and support employees and subcontractors, setting clear expectations around performance and delivery.
• Contribute to wider business planning and future growth.
• Take on increasing responsibility for the overall operation of the business as the position develops.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate is likely to have held a senior role within home improvements, conservatories, extensions, windows and doors or a closely related construction environment.

You should have a strong understanding of how projects are managed commercially as well as operationally, with the confidence to take ownership of problems and make decisions.

Experience of managing conservatory or extension projects would be particularly advantageous.

Key Skills and Experience

• Strong operational and project management experience.
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of margins, budgets and cost control.
• Experience managing employees, contractors and subcontractors.
• Good knowledge of residential construction or home improvement projects.
• Confident dealing directly with customers.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Able to identify problems quickly and implement practical solutions.
• Comfortable managing several projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills across operational, sales and senior management teams.
• Able to improve processes, efficiency and overall business performance.
• A practical, hands-on management style with the ability to take ownership and drive projects forward.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operational manager who enjoys being closely involved in the delivery of projects while also contributing to the commercial performance and future development of the business.