General Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression opportunities

Exposure to international projects

Inclusive culture

Competitive salary and benefits

Job summary

Bodycote in Skelmersdale is seeking a General Manager to take overall accountability for the plant’s performance, leading day‑to‑day operations and driving safety, quality, delivery, and financial results.

You’ll lead the plant leadership team, develop operational and growth strategies, oversee workforce and capital planning, and push continuous improvement across the business with colleagues in Quality, Technical, Engineering and Finance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related technical field; master's degree preferred.
• 12+ years of industrial leadership experience in a complex operations/manufacturing environment, with at least 8 years in technical or heat-treatment management.
• 10+ years of people leadership experience, including workforce planning and performance management.
• Strong experience applying Lean and Six Sigma, with a proven track record of improvement projects.
• 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 in aerospace/defence manufacturing, industrial engineering, or NADCAP‑accredited operations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Take overall accountability for plant performance and lead day-to-day operations.
• Drive safety, quality, customer service, delivery and financial performance.
• Lead the plant leadership team and develop operational growth strategies.
• Oversee workforce planning and capital expenditure; drive continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Quality, Technical, Engineering and Finance; shape operational excellence.
• Foster a customer-focused culture and develop people and capabilities for long-term success.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Six Sigma

Financial acumen

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or engineering, or related field

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.