General Manager

Elis Ireland; Cookstown; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development opportunities

Collaborative environment

Focus on sustainability and innovation

Job summary

Elis Ireland is seeking a General Manager to lead its Cookstown facility. The role focuses on operational excellence, strategic leadership, and achieving commercial performance across various departments such as Production, Customer Service, and Health & Safety.

The ideal candidate will have a degree-level qualification, extensive experience in a B2B operation, and a strong record of leadership and team development. You will thrive in a dynamic environment that values innovation and sustainability.

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification in a relevant field is preferred.
• Proven experience in managing plant operations in a B2B environment.
• Strong technical and operational knowledge across various functions.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with HR and Health & Safety requirements.
• Develop strategies to achieve company goals.
• Lead initiatives for operational efficiencies.

Skills

Plant operations management

Budgeting and forecasting

People management

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or Operations Management

Tools

ERP Systems (Microsoft AX)

Job description

General Manager

Location: Cookstown, Co. Tyrone

Eligibility: Applicants must have full working rights in Northern Ireland

Hours: Monday to Friday

Reporting to: Regional Director North

Department: Hospitality

About Elis

Elis is a global leader in circular textile, hygiene, and facility services, operating across 31 countries worldwide. We partner with thousands of organisations across hospitality, healthcare, workwear, and facility sectors delivering smart, sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact and free our clients to focus on what they do best.

Role Overview

This is not just another leadership role it’s an opportunity to take the helm of a dynamic operation and truly make your mark. We are looking for an exceptional General Manager to lead both operational and commercial performance at our Cookstown facility. With a strong focus on service excellence across healthcare, hospitality, Cleanroom, ICs, and Pest Control sectors, you’ll be at the centre of driving innovation, efficiency, and growth. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and love turning strategy into action, this is your stage. You’ll inspire teams, elevate performance, and build a culture where safety, respect, and continuous improvement are second nature.

What We Offer

• A forward-thinking, purpose-driven workplace where your impact truly matters
• Real opportunities for career growth, development, and progression
• The chance to lead within a company deeply committed to sustainability and innovation
• A collaborative environment where ideas are valued and success is shared

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused General Manager to lead our Cookstown operation. This role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the business, driving operational excellence, and delivering strong commercial performance across all functions. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across Production, Operations, Distribution, Customer Service, Engineering, and Health & Safety while ensuring high standards of service delivery, operational efficiency, and team performance. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated leader with strong business acumen, proven people management capability, and experience managing large-scale operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure full compliance with Group and site HR, Health & Safety, and legislative requirements.
• Develop and implement business strategies to achieve company goals and operational targets.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across operational and occupational safety.
• Ensure timely investigation of all accidents and incidents, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Drive operational efficiencies, streamline workflows, and reduce operating costs through best practice implementation.
• Lead Production, Operations, Distribution, and Customer Service teams to achieve all KPI targets.
• Develop and manage annual budgets, forecasts, and resource plans aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor financial performance, analyse variances, and implement improvement plans where necessary.
• Implement effective performance management, appraisals, and employee development programmes.
• Maintain a strong customer and commercial focus, supporting growth within existing accounts while identifying new business opportunities.
• Lead recruitment, training, and development initiatives to ensure high-performing and motivated teams.
• Promote a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability across the site.
• Communicate strategic goals effectively throughout the wider business.
• Support sustainability initiatives and contribute to reducing environmental impact.
• Ensure optimum use of resources to meet both current and future business demands.
• Maintain safe systems of work for all employees and contractors in line with statutory Health & Safety requirements.

Skills & Experience Required

• Degree-level qualification in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related discipline preferred.
• Proven experience managing plant operations within a B2B environment.
• Strong technical and operational knowledge across Production, Engineering, and Service functions.
• Demonstrated commercial and financial management capability, including budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience working with ERP systems (Microsoft AX desirable).
• Extensive people management and change management experience.
• Strong leadership and coaching style with the ability to build, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Commercially aware with a strong focus on operational performance and customer satisfaction.
• Analytical and strategic thinker with strong business acumen.
• Exceptional decision-making and problem-solving capability.

Why Join Elis?

• Opportunity to lead a key operational site within a global organisation.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership environment.
• Strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
• Career development opportunities within an international business.