General Manager

Role

Reporting directly to the Head of Operations, the General Manager carries full responsibility for Engineering, Production, Maintenance, Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality (SHEQ) activities.

The successful candidate will play a key role in achieving strategic and operational targets, driving technical excellence, improving reliability and efficiency, and developing people and systems across the site.

The General Manager will be a visible champion for the site and the business in the wider community.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Engineering

- Ensure optimal performance, availability, and reliability of all production equipment.

- Lead automation initiatives and implement advanced technologies to increase productivity.

- Oversee major capital projects including feasibility, specification, installation, and commissioning.

- Monitor and manage OEE and drive system-level engineering improvements.

- Collaborate across maintenance, engineering, and production to deliver world-class manufacturing performance.

• Safety, Health, Environment, Quality (SHEQ)

- Promote a safety-first culture with rigorous adherence to procedures.

- Share best practice across departments and ensure compliance across all SHEQ areas.

• Production

- Manage performance against budget using KPIs.

- Drive efficiency, standardisation, and continuous improvement across operations.

- Liaise with internal stakeholders including forestry and sales to align operations with business goals.

• Continuous Improvement & Capital Projects

- Implement lean techniques and technology-driven improvements.

- Lead capex planning and ensure timely delivery of high-value strategic projects.

• Financial Control

- Develop and manage operational budgets.

- Analyse financial reports and ensure best-value procurement.

• Leadership

- Lead and develop high-performing teams.

- Mentor managers and support employee development.

- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.

Key Competencies

- Strong personal credibility and relationship-building skills.

- Technical expertise in manufacturing and engineering systems.

- Lean/CI programme leadership experience.

- Strong analytical and financial acumen.

- Resilient, decisive, and comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Desired Qualifications and Experience

- Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Manufacturing, or related discipline) is essential.

- 5+ years’ experience leading large operations teams in heavy industry.

- Demonstrated leadership of automation, capex and process innovation projects.

- Lean/Six Sigma qualifications preferred.