General Manager
Lead a high-performing manufacturing plant driving safety, operational excellence, customer growth and P&L performance in a global organisation committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
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
We’re looking for someone who brings:
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.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re ready to join Bodycote and lead a high-performing plant while making a real impact on safety, people, customers, and business performance, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and start your journey with us.
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.
- Department
- General & Operations Management
- Role
- General Manager
- Locations
- Skelmersdale
- Employment type
- Full-time
About Bodycote
Our services are a vital part of many manufacturing processes. We make metal stronger, more durable, and more corrosion resistant. Servicing local and international clients from highly accredited facilities our experience and expertise ensures we deliver to the quality and reliability demanded by the markets we serve and the products we deliver.