Engineering / General Manager
Salary: £40,000 – £50,000
Location: Northamptonshire (onsite, full time)
Type: Full-time, Permanent
My client is a specialist engineering organisation developing world-class electronic instrumentation for precision measurement and metrology. This is a rare opportunity for an engineer with management ambitions to join a highly respected business in a fast-track role, with the intention of progressing into full business leadership over the coming years.
The role combines hands-on technical oversight with operational and people management, offering a unique blend of engineering, leadership, and commercial responsibility.
The Role
The Engineering / General Manager will take responsibility for running the company’s test and calibration laboratory while also supporting the day-to-day management of the business. Working closely with the Managing Director during a structured handover period, you will gradually assume broader leadership responsibility as part of a long-term succession plan.
This is a fully onsite role within a small, highly skilled team, providing real ownership and influence over the future direction of the business.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage the test and calibration laboratory and oversee engineering activities.
* Provide day-to-day leadership for a small engineering and operational team.
* Support business management activities including planning, prioritisation, and decision-making.
* Assist with budgeting and financial tracking in collaboration with senior leadership.
* Oversee HR and health & safety activities (with external support).
* Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and operational standards.
* Build strong working relationships with external partners and collaborators.
* Contribute to long-term strategy and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Prepare to assume full managerial leadership following the agreed transition period.
Skills & Experience Required
* Engineering background, ideally within electronics or instrumentation.
* Strong numerical and analytical skills.
* Experience in, or a strong desire to develop, people management and leadership capability.
* Ability to balance technical work with operational and managerial responsibilities.
* Confident communicator able to lead a small, highly skilled team.
* Organised, proactive, and comfortable working in a hands-on environment.
* Interest in business management, strategy, and long-term organisational development.
What’s on Offer
* £40k–£50k salary
* Fully onsite, full-time position
* Employer pension contribution (9%)
* 20 days annual leave (rising to 25 with service) plus bank holidays and Christmas shutdown
* Discretionary profit-sharing bonus
* Onsite parking
* Rare succession opportunity within a respected engineering business