General Manager

Willis Global Ltd; Burnley; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist aviation company in Burnley is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead their team. The role includes full P&L accountability and requires strategic planning aligned with corporate objectives. Ideal candidates will have senior management experience in precision engineering and a relevant degree. This full-time permanent position emphasizes work-life balance and offers bonuses, mental health support, and professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Business performance related bonus

Mental health support

Commitment to learning and development

Monthly treats and discounts through Perkbox

Enhanced holiday entitlement

Qualifications

• Experience in precision/custom engineering manufacturing.
• Senior management experience required.
• Project Management certification is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee implementation of strategic business and cultural changes.
• Maintain operational compliance with EASA and CAA.
• Set measurable financial goals for profitable business growth.

Skills

P&L responsibility

Lean manufacturing

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Education

Degree in Business/Aerospace/Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

Our client, a specialist Part 145 aviation organisation, delivering high-quality, cost-effective maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, along with a comprehensive Total Support framework for PT6 Engine Operators worldwide, are seeking an experienced General Manager, to lead their team based in Lancashire.

On Offer

• Full Time Permanent postion. Working Monday-Friday 37.5 hours per week - Monday to Thursday 7 : 45am – 4 : 30pm / Friday 7 : 45am – 12 : 15pm (flexibility to work additional hours in support of the business plus some travel will be required)
• A company culture that promotes work life balance and available access to mental health support
• Business performance related bonus
• Commitment to continued learning and development
• Perkbox - includes monthly treats and discounts from selected restaurants, cinemas, shops etc
• Enhanced Holiday Entitlement based on length of service

Main purpose of the General Manager;

The General Manager is responsible for all facilities on the Division / Site. The core responsibility of the General Manager is to assume full P&L accountability for the business, and work with the Regional Director of Operations to refine, develop and oversee the implementation of a strategic business plan, aligned with the overall corporate strategy of the business.

The General Manager will apply strong leadership and relationship management skills to deliver a cultural change and take the facility from its current state, through a multi-year journey to becoming a world class facility as a part of portfolio.

Key Responsibilities of the General Manager

• Develop, refine and oversee the implementation of a long‑ and short‑term strategic business and cultural change plan, aligned to corporate strategy / objectives, working with your peers to ensure that they understand and are aligned to the same plan and understand their required supports and inputs for the growth of the plant.
• Strategically align with customers, understanding their needs and drivers, to develop plans which include commitments to delivery, performance measures, and price. Proactively participate and work with the Director of Business Development and VP Business Development, to ensure the long‑term goals of the facility and the customer align.
• Set measurable financial goals (short & long term) that drive profitable business growth. Work closely with finance to ensure that you oversee and are supported on delivering against all financial metrics, including cash and asset management, reporting, corporate & regulatory policies. Oversee development of comprehensive annual business plan (including budgets, forecasts, and operational targets).
• Ensure divisional operating structure is optimally aligned to achieve efficiencies, also for growth. Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of manufacturing team to ensure long‑term health, productivity, with a high‑performance culture. Ensure appropriate skills and staffing levels are maintained and making suggestions and insights on the long‑term structure of the business, to ensure optimal delivery.
• Improve facility performance by successful implementation and maintenance of Corporate system. Work with the Head of CI to create a long term multi‑year CI strategy, to support the company’s growth and change aspirations, ensuring that we remain a class leader in machining capability.
• Utilize agreed performance metrics that are developed to measure ongoing strategic success and identify areas for improvement or consideration, to ensure that the right metrics are considered when understanding the delivery and growth of the business.
• Develop in‑depth understanding of the business, building an initial report / strategy that highlights the high priority challenges, as well as understanding the key stakeholders and supporting functions and helping them understand their role in delivering for the long‑term success of the business.
• Ensure all internal business systems are operating optimally to direct, monitor and measure company resources.

MRO Essential Duties & Requirements

• UK CAA Part‑145 compliance ownership : liaison with Accountable Manager, readiness for audits and MOE change governance.
• Full responsibility as accountable manager at a respected EASA 145 approved MRO facility. The role has full site responsibility. All functions and disciplines report into this position.
• Model leadership values and behaviours for the team, building a mission and vision for the team that supports and delivers the MRO strategy for the company.
• Provide business reporting and analytics to the corporate senior team, building links with other global MRO facilities and leaders to maximise the value of the MRO footprint.
• Maintain operational compliance in line with relevant safety agencies such as EASA and CAA.

To Be Considered

• P&L responsibility of a company, branch or division of a relevant size and scope. Senior management experience with precision / custom engineering manufacturing. Operations experience using lean manufacturing tools.
• Degree in Business / Aerospace / Engineering or similar.
• MBA / Chartered Member of the institute of Engineering / Six Sigma Green Belt desirable.
• Project Management certification an asset.
• MRO experience is highly desirable but not essential, exposure to business development and strong interpersonal skills highly desirable.
• Experience building and supporting a strong union relationship. Experience delivering cultural change and working closely with the HR function and leaders to build a one team culture.
• Experience with introducing and implementing core basics as well as experience of what world class manufacturing facilities should look like and deliver.
• Strong understanding of the end‑to‑end supply chain, knowledge of SAP desirable but not essential.
• Demonstrated mentoring / people development experience.
• Aerospace industry experience an asset.
• Experience with leading Multi Site operations an asset