General Manager

Bodycote plc; Skelmersdale; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential

Job summary

Bodycote plc seeks a General Manager to take overall accountability for the performance of the Skelmersdale plant, leading day-to-day operations and driving safety, quality, customer service, delivery, financial performance, and growth.

You will head the plant leadership team, develop operational and growth strategies, oversee workforce and capital planning, and work with Quality, Technical, Engineering and Finance to deliver operational excellence and a customer-focused culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, or a related technical field; master's preferred.
• Proven experience leading industrial operations in a complex environment.
• Strong Lean and Six Sigma track record with successful improvement projects.
• 10+ years’ people leadership including workforce planning and performance management.

Responsibilities

• Take overall accountability for plant performance, leading day-to-day operations and driving safety, quality, delivery and financial performance.
• Lead the plant leadership team and develop operational and growth strategies.
• Oversee workforce and capital planning; drive continuous improvement across the business.
• Collaborate with customers and functions including Quality, Technical, Engineering, and Finance to deliver excellence.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma

P&L management

People leadership

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering or related

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Industrial database systems

Job description

About Bodycote

At Bodycote, we’re more than the world’s leading provider of heat treatment and specialist thermal processing services. We’re a people business at heart. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability shapes everything we do. With a global footprint and a culture built on collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement, we create an environment where you can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact.

Sustainability is central to our future. We’re on an ambitious journey to reduce our environmental impact through advanced technologies, smarter processes, and ongoing innovation, with our teams around the world playing a key role in making that happen.

The Role

As General Manager, you’ll take overall accountability for the performance of the assigned plant, leading day-to-day operations and driving safety, quality, customer service, delivery, financial performance, and business growth.

You’ll lead the plant leadership team, develop operational and growth strategies, oversee workforce and capital planning, and drive continuous improvement across the business. Working closely with customers and functions including Quality, Technical, Engineering, and Finance, you’ll set the standard for operational excellence and deliver against strategic business goals.

Safety will be at the heart of your leadership, alongside building a strong customer-focused culture and developing the people and capabilities needed for long-term success.

Who We’re Looking For

• A bachelor's degree in business, Engineering, or a related technical field; a master's degree is preferred.
• 12+ years’ industrial leadership experience within a complex operations or manufacturing environment, including at least 8 years in technical or heat-treatment management.
• Strong experience applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, with a proven track record of delivering successful improvement projects.
• 10+ years’ people leadership experience, including workforce planning and performance management.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing P&L, budgets, capital expenditure, business development, and sales growth.
• Excellent project management, communication, presentation, decision-making, delegation, and motivational leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and industrial database systems.
• Experience within aerospace or defence manufacturing, industrial engineering, or NADCAP-accredited operations would be advantageous.

What’s In It for You

• Career progression opportunities within a global organisation.
• Exposure to international projects and change initiatives.
• A supportive, inclusive culture where your development matters.
• The opportunity to lead operational excellence and help shape the next chapter of our business.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Location & Work Pattern

This role is based on-site in Skelmersdale. Some travel may be required depending on business needs.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of characteristics protected by local law, including (where applicable) gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and ethnic origin. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment.