General Manager

Daniel Owen Ltd; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected manufacturing company is seeking a General Manager to oversee operations and commercial processes in their bespoke joinery business. This role involves driving efficiency, managing relationships with key customers, and ensuring P&L accountability. Ideal candidates will have significant commercial experience in the bespoke joinery or manufacturing sector, strong leadership skills, and a data-driven approach to decision-making. Offering a competitive salary of £65,000 - £70,000 per annum plus additional benefits.

Benefits

Car allowance

Performance bonus

Qualifications

• Significant commercial experience within bespoke joinery or manufacturing.
• Proven results in pricing, tendering, and margin improvement.
• Experience implementing systems like CRM or ERP.

Responsibilities

• Lead all commercial processes including quoting and pricing strategies.
• Manage relationships with key customers and stakeholders.
• Drive manufacturing efficiency and customer service improvements.

Skills

Commercial experience in bespoke joinery

Leadership experience managing mixed teams

Organizational skills

Data-driven decision-making

Job description

General Manager

An exceptional leadership opportunity within a respected, growing manufacturing business - with long-term progression and potential equity participation for the right candidate.

Daniel Owen are recruiting for a well-established and expanding bespoke joinery manufacturer located in Derbyshire. Operating across the Midlands and wider UK, the business has built a strong reputation for producing high-quality bespoke joinery, certified fire doors, and heritage restoration work. Their customer base includes leading contractors, architects, heritage specialists, and private clients.

Location: Derbyshire

Position: General Manager

Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum + Car allowance + performance bonus

Contract Type: Permanent

Availability: This role is immediately available

The company is part of a dynamic and ambitious group of specialist construction and manufacturing businesses. Following significant investment and an agenda of operational improvement and growth, the organisation is entering a pivotal phase. To support this next stage, the Group is seeking a high-calibre General Manager with strong commercial capability and operational leadership experience.

The Role

The General Manager will play a central role in running and developing the business. This is a hands‑on, commercially focused position that requires deep involvement in day‑to‑day commercial activity - including quoting, pricing, tendering, surveying, and client relationship management - as well as oversight of operational performance.

You will lead and develop a team of approximately 50 employees across the workshop, office, and on‑site installation teams. Working closely with the Group Managing Director and Group Finance Director, you will be accountable for P&L delivery, operational efficiency, cultural development, and driving sustainable, profitable growth.

This role is ideally suited to an individual who thrives in a fast‑paced, hands‑on manufacturing environment and who enjoys balancing commercial leadership with operational oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Leadership
• Lead and manage all commercial processes including quoting, pricing strategies, surveying, design coordination, tender submissions, and contract negotiation
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key customers, acting as the senior commercial point of contact for the business
• Review and refine pricing models, margin controls, and commercial reporting to enhance profitability
• Support the Group in identifying new markets, sectors, and strategic opportunities to grow pipeline and market presence
• Provide oversight of production planning, scheduling, workflow management, and installation delivery
• Ensure operational processes are robust, scalable, and aligned with best practice
• Drive improvements in manufacturing efficiency, quality assurance, customer service, and project delivery
• Promote and embed a culture of continuous improvement, reducing waste and enhancing output across the business
• Lead approximately 50 employees across production, office support, commercial teams, and site‑based installation staff
• Promote a high‑performance culture built on accountability, pride in craftsmanship, and ownership of results
• Mentor and support supervisors and managers, ensuring strong communication and effective cross‑departmental collaboration
• Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and implement structured development pathways for staff
• Own full P&L responsibility for the business, working closely with Group leadership to set budgets and deliver on financial targets
• Implement strategic initiatives aligned with Group priorities, including systems improvements, commercial innovation, and operational optimisation
• Analyse performance data and provide robust, evidence‑based recommendations to the Group Managing Director
• Represent the business at Group level, contributing to wider decision‑making and future growth strategies

Essential Experience & Skills

• Significant commercial experience within the bespoke joinery, manufacturing, or specialist construction sector
• Background in a joinery operation, with proven results in pricing, tendering, and margin improvement
• Strong leadership experience, ideally managing mixed teams across workshop, office, and site
• Demonstrable experience implementing systems or improving processes (e.g. CRM, ERP, pricing tools, workflow management systems)
• Highly organised, detail‑oriented, and disciplined in planning and follow‑through

Personal Attributes

• Commercially astute with a data‑driven approach to decision‑making
• Hands‑on, practical, and approachable, with a willingness to get involved at all levels
• Clear and confident communicator who builds strong internal and external relationships
• Calm, structured, and solutions‑focused, even under pressure
• A natural leader who inspires confidence, trust, and accountability across the workforce

How to Apply:

If you are interested in working for this established company, please apply with your updated CV.