General Manager

GRG Executive Search; Wales; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm is seeking a General Manager for a respected SME in North Wales, specializing in precision engineering and scientific equipment. The role involves full P&L ownership, operational oversight, and team management, aiming for commercial growth. Candidates should possess strong manufacturing leadership and financial experience to drive success in a pivotal phase of the business.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a manufacturing business with hands-on machine shop leadership.
• Strong engineering background in design and operational processes.
• Financial leadership covering P&L, budgeting, and forecasting.

Responsibilities

• Drive financial and operational performance across the business.
• Lead the budgeting process and improve profitability.
• Oversee inventory and supply chain operations.
• Manage and develop junior staff in various departments.
• Maintain and enhance quality management systems.

Skills

Manufacturing leadership

Financial management

Quality Management

Team development

Commercial negotiation

Job description

The Opportunity:

We are exclusively partnering a business in North Wales on a newly created General Manager opportunity. Our client is a highly respected, profitable SME working across precision engineering and specialist scientific equipment.

The business is long-established, consistently profitable, and has built strong relationships with a loyal customer base in specialist technical markets. Following sustained success and with a strong foundation in place, the business is now entering a pivotal phase, focused on commercial growth, operational refinement, and team development.

The General Manager will be responsible for driving financial and operational performance across both the engineering/manufacturing and scientific distribution arms of the business.

The successful candidates key responsibilities:

1. Financial & Commercial Leadership

• Full ownership of the business P&L, including margin analysis, cost control, and financial forecasting.
• Lead and coordinate the budgeting process across departments.
• Develop pricing strategies and commercial models for both manufactured and distributed products.
• Drive improved profitability through smarter procurement, efficiency gains, and commercial negotiation.

2. Machine Shop & Manufacturing Oversight

• Provide day-to-day leadership of the machine shop and fabrication operations.
• Oversee production scheduling, BOM accuracy, route card workflows, and capacity planning.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and implement lean manufacturing principles.
• Align design-to-manufacture workflow with cost control targets.

3. Stocking Distributor Operations

• Oversee inventory, supplier relations, purchase planning, and logistics.
• Lead technical sales marketing and fulfilment processes.
• Ensure the distribution business aligns with long-term customer value and profitability.

4. Team & People Management

• Provide leadership to junior staff in Accounts, Purchasing, Sales Admin, and Quality.
• Act as commercial lead in CEO’s absence, ensuring accountability.
• Develop internal systems and nurture professional development.

5. Quality Management & KPIs

• Maintain and improve the company’s QMS to ISO 9001 standards.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and right-first-time quality.
• Define and monitor KPIs to track operational and commercial success.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Experience managing a manufacturing business with hands-on machine shop leadership.
• Strong engineering background (design, BOMs, route cards, margin control).
• Financial leadership experience: P&L, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Proven distribution business experience: stock, logistics, marketing.
• Demonstrated success in scaling small businesses and developing teams.
• Strong Quality Management and KPI-setting experience.