General Manager

Listgrove; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in composite materials is seeking a General Manager in Nottingham to provide site leadership and strategy. Key responsibilities include operational and financial management, compliance, and stakeholder relations. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of senior leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, strategic thinking skills, strong problem-solving capabilities, and a degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering. A commitment to safety and compliance is essential. This role offers an opportunity to drive operational excellence in a dynamic industry.

Benefits

Five Decades of Market Intelligence

Recognised International brand

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years' senior leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading multi‑functional teams in complex operations.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget ownership.

Responsibilities

• Set and deliver site objectives aligned with strategic goals.
• Drive operational efficiency and compliance across functions.
• Build and maintain relationships with customers and stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Financial acumen

Education

Degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

General Manager

Based in Nottingham, Nottinghamshire

Job ref: EG/64728

Client Overview

Our client is a global leader in the development and manufacture of advanced composite materials, serving highly demanding markets including aerospace, space & satellite, communications, motorsport, and high-performance industrial applications. With multiple manufacturing sites across Europe and the United States, the business supplies a broad portfolio of composite solutions, including prepreg fabrics, unidirectional tapes, bulk moulding compounds, and reinforced thermoplastic laminates. The organisation is recognised for its technical excellence, and commitment to continuous improvement, safety, and sustainability.

Role Overview

Site Leadership & Strategy

• Set and deliver site objectives aligned to European and global strategy
• Translate strategic goals into clear, executable operational plans
• Lead, motivate and develop the site leadership team
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Monitor industry trends and competitive dynamics to inform site strategy

Operational and Functional Leadership

• Hold full site leadership responsibility across all core functions including operations, supply chain, quality, engineering, finance, HR, IT, and health & safety
• Maintain matrix accountability for R&D and customer‑facing teams
• Work closely with European commercial and technical teams to support customer requirements and growth initiatives
• Drive operational best practices, efficiency improvements, and innovation across the site

Health, Safety, Quality & Compliance

Overall responsibility for Health, Safety and Environmental compliance at the UK site.

Ensure full compliance with:

• BS EN 9100 (AS9100), BS EN ISO 14001, BS EN ISO 45001
• Champion a proactive safety culture and ensure all policies, procedures, and audits are effectively implemented

Financial & Commercial Management

• Full ownership of site budgets, cost control, and financial performance
• Drive operational efficiency, productivity, and margin improvement
• Monitor KPIs and performance metrics across all functions
• Ensure robust financial reporting, governance, and compliance

Stakeholder & External Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, regulators, and local stakeholders
• Represent the company with customers, government bodies, and community organisations
• Promote ethical business practices and reinforce the company's values and reputation

Requirements

• Degree qualified (Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or similar preferred)
• Minimum 5+ years' senior leadership experience within a manufacturing environment
• Proven experience leading multi‑functional teams within complex, regulated operations
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, including budget ownership
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute at pace
• Confident decision‑maker with strong problem‑solving capability

Desirable

• Experience within composites, advanced materials, aerospace, or high‑performance manufacturing
• Exposure to sales and marketing principles within an industrial or B2B environment

For reasons of better legibility, the simultaneous use of the language forms male, female and diverse (f/m/d) is avoided. All personal designations apply equally to all genders. For UK roles, candidates must be eligible to work and live in the United Kingdom. Proof of eligibility will be required with your application.

Why select Listgrove?

• Five Decades of Market Intelligence
• Unrivalled Industry Networks
• Recognised International brand
• HR Qualified Professionals

To hear from our clients on how we have supported their search for talent and HR needs, please visit Listgrove's Case Studies page.

Throughout 2026 & 2027 you can meet with Listgrove at the following exhibitions: Interpack, France Innovation Plasturgie, Interplas UK, Plast Milan, Fakuma, ArabPlast, NPE 2027

Performance through People.

Listgrove Limited Registered in England No: (phone number removed)