General Manager

General Manager

Location: Co. Kildare
Reports to: Managing Director

Our client specialises in delivering high-quality aluminium fabrication and engineering solutions to clients across multiple sectors.

As they continue to evolve and optimise their operations, they are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute General Manager to lead their team through a phase of positive change - driving operational excellence, refining processes, and ensuring our quality standards remain second to none.

Role Purpose

The General Manager will take full ownership of day-to-day operational performance, ensuring the business runs smoothly, efficiently, and profitably.
This role demands a hands-on leader who can:

• Oversee production workflows from order intake to delivery
• Ensure quality control systems are robust and adhered to
• Optimise processes for efficiency and profitability
• Manage client expectations and ensure projects are delivered on time, in full, and to specification
• Lead and develop a skilled team to maintain high performance and morale

You will play a pivotal role in change management - implementing improved systems, embedding best practices, and fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership & Workflow Management

• Lead the planning, scheduling, and execution of all orders to ensure smooth production flow
• Ensure jobs are correctly scoped, costed, and resourced for on-time and in-full delivery
• Oversee order tracking, shipping accuracy, and delivery performance with minimal waste or rework
• Allocate and organise work effectively among operatives to maximise productivity

2. Quality Management & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee the Quality Control function, ensuring adherence to specifications, drawings, and client requirements
• Implement and maintain robust quality management systems to meet industry standards
• Analyse production errors, rework trends, and client feedback to drive targeted improvements
• Embed a "right first time" culture across the team

3. Process Implementation & Refinement

• Review existing workflows and processes, identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve accuracy, speed, and profitability
• Introduce performance tracking metrics (KPIs) for production, quality, and client satisfaction
• Ensure the back-office and workshop are fully aligned in communication and process

4. People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and mentor the operations team to achieve high standards of work and accountability
• Foster a culture of safety, quality, and ownership across all roles
• Conduct performance reviews, set clear objectives, and address training needs

5. Client & Commercial Oversight

• Ensure pricing of jobs is accurate, competitive, and profitable
• Act as a key point of contact for client communication, ensuring expectations are clearly set and met
• Manage any escalations professionally to maintain client trust and satisfaction

6. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure all operations comply with relevant Health & Safety legislation and company policies
• Conduct regular risk assessments, toolbox talks, and safety audits
• Champion a proactive safety culture in the workplace

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven track record in General Management or Operations Leadership in manufacturing, engineering, or a related industry
• Experience in change management and process improvement within a production environment
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and QC best practices
• Skilled in workflow scheduling, job costing, and team leadership
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all levels
• Commercially aware with a focus on profitability and efficiency
• Knowledge of Health & Safety compliance in a manufacturing/workshop setting

What They Offer

• Competitive salary (DOE)
• Fuel Card
• Company Pension Contribution after probationary period (6 months)
• Opportunity to lead change in a growing, quality-driven engineering company
• Autonomy to implement improvements that directly impact profitability and client satisfaction
• Supportive leadership and a collaborative work environment.