General Manager - High Performance Precision Engineering

Martin Veasey Talent Solutions; Ringwood; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK precision engineering firm is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead one of its manufacturing operations. The role involves hands-on leadership, driving operational improvements, and implementing performance-driven culture. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in manufacturing, strong technical background, and are confident in leading transformative efforts. The position offers a competitive salary and relocation support for the right candidate.

Benefits

Up to £10,000 relocation support

25 days' holiday

5% pension contribution

Life assurance (3× salary)

Qualifications

• 10-20 years in engineering/manufacturing, with 5+ years in senior leadership.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) preferred but not essential.
• Visible and pragmatic leadership style on the shop floor.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support teams on the shop floor.
• Introduces KPIs and operational control for efficiency.
• Create a performance-driven culture.

Skills

Leadership in manufacturing

Operational transformation

Lean manufacturing

CNC machining

Change management

Budget management

Continuous improvement

Performance metrics

Education

Degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Production Engineering

Job description

Overview

General Manager - Precision Manufacturing - High Performance Engineering Sector

£90,000 - £110,000 + Bonus (up to 25%) + Car Allowance / EV Scheme + Relocation Support

Location: South Coast (Relocation Assistance Available for this onsite role)

About the company and role

A privately owned, high-growth precision engineering manufacturer seeks an experienced General Manager to lead and transform one of its principal UK manufacturing operations. The company designs and produces complex, high-integrity engineered components for advanced energy, industrial, and performance-critical applications. This is a pivotal operational leadership role for a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives on visible, front-line engagement, rapid performance improvement, and long-term transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example — be a consistent, visible presence on the shop floor, guiding and supporting teams while setting and enforcing standards.
• Stabilise and transform performance — introduce operational control, clear KPIs, and daily accountability to restore efficiency, quality, and output.
• Rebuild morale and engagement — create a positive, open, and performance-driven culture where employees understand objectives and take ownership of results.
• Drive cultural and behavioural change — set expectations, improve communication, and instil pride in performance.
• Implement continuous improvement — embed lean manufacturing, structured problem solving, and visual management to raise productivity and reduce waste.
• Optimise planning and workflow — strengthen scheduling, resource management, and cost control.
• Develop leadership capability — mentor supervisors, technical leads, and support functions to create a robust, accountable management team.
• Lay foundations for future investment — once the site is stabilised, prepare and present detailed business cases for capital expenditure and capacity expansion to the CEO and Board.
• This is a true turnaround and transformation assignment — turn an underperforming but strategically important site into a model of efficiency, engagement, and operational excellence.

About You / Qualifications

• You are a confident, technically credible manufacturing leader with a proven track record of improving performance, quality, and culture in precision or high-performance engineering environments.
• You are at your best on the factory floor — visible, pragmatic, and leading from the front. Transformation comes from clear standards, disciplined execution, and engaged people.
• Education: Degree (BEng/MEng/BSc) in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Production Engineering. Chartered Engineer (CEng) preferred but not essential.
• Experience: 10-20 years in engineering/manufacturing, with at least 5 years in senior operational/site leadership.
• Hands-on leadership style: 75-80% of your time spent on the shop floor, directly guiding teams, setting priorities, and driving measurable results.
• Transformation track record: Proven ability to stabilise, re-energise, and elevate underperforming manufacturing operations through disciplined processes, KPIs, and leadership.
• Technical grounding: Strong background in CNC machining, small-batch, or precision manufacturing.
• Change management skills: Able to introduce structure, coach teams, and hold people accountable while building trust and engagement.
• Commercial and analytical skills: Experience managing budgets, cost-per-part, and productivity metrics. Capable of preparing CapEx proposals for process improvement and technology investment.
• Continuous improvement expertise: Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent toolkit, with a record of delivering tangible efficiency and quality gains.
• Sector experience: Precision engineering, energy, aerospace, automotive, defence, or other high-performance industrial sectors.
• Personal impact: Decisive, calm under pressure, authentic, and unafraid to challenge legacy thinking.

The Rewards / Benefits

• Base Salary: £90,000 - £110,000
• Bonus: up to 25% linked to performance and leadership KPIs
• Car Allowance: included in base; company also offers a salary-sacrifice electric-vehicle scheme
• Benefits: 25 days' holiday + bank holidays, 5%/5% pension, life assurance (3× salary)
• Relocation Support: up to £10,000 (HMRC guideline)

How to Apply

All enquiries and applications are handled in strict confidence by Martin Veasey Talent Solutions.

Due to the confidential nature of this appointment, NDAs will be required at shortlist stage.