General Manager

Head Office in Bedfordshire but hybrid working is possible due to a network of offices/depots

DB Search has been retained by a nationwide leading provider of engineering services to seek out a new General Manager. Working with a range of national and regional customers this business provides installation, maintenance, servicing and replacement of mechanical and electrical equipment both on a contracted and emergency basis. Due to the desire to succession plan, we are looking to speak with well-rounded senior management candidates who not only understand driving efficiencies in operations but have a commercial understanding too.

As the General Manager you will have a key executive position in the company and are responsible for the overall strategy, planning, and execution of operational activities. The role requires a strategic and innovative mindset, as well as the ability to lead and manage teams towards achieving the highest level of operational effectiveness whilst increasing customer loyalty and reducing costs. In time, commercial functions will report to this position with growth in both revenue and margin being the main targets.

Scope of the role:

• Ability to set the operational vision and national strategy ensuring operational effectiveness is achieved in all areas
• To set the vision and be capable of defining a strategy and measurable outputs for delivery
• Develop and implement operational strategies to support the achievement of the overall business objectives of revenue growth and enhanced profitability
• Develop strong relationships with key customers and partners to drive business growth and foster increased customer loyalty
• Develop strong collegiate relationships with key internal stakeholders and departments allowing the business to win as a team based on “togetherness & trust”
• Develop operating procedures which allow for increased working efficiencies and increased service/performance
• Work closely with IT to ensure all technology is being utilised as effectively as possible to drive operating efficiencies
• Drive Health & Safety standards of operating within all areas of the business to drive a safety culture of “protecting people”
• Aim to reduce costs without service level reductions through the building of strong relationships with suppliers
• Develop a fleet strategy which optimises availability and hardware whilst reducing costs
• Develop and manage budgets and financial performance metrics to ensure that operational activities are aligned with the overall business strategy
• Manage the overall effectiveness of the 24-hour call centre to maximise customer service and loyalty
• Ensure customer service is of the highest calibre setting the standard for the industry and putting the “customer first”
• Nurture and develop a high-performance culture allowing your teams and the wider business to deliver on their “performance promise”
• Continuously improve working procedures/processes to ensure your teams are working smarter and “moving forward”
• Support commercial teams and have a full understanding of the sales process to assist in the winning of new business
• Works closely with sales to ensure the forecasted business is planned and resourced effectively
• Develop commercial thinking within the engineering team to foster a culture of spotting and raising avenues for growth within existing clients
• Developing digital marketing campaigns which increase the national visibility of the business and the acquisition of new customers

Person Specification:

• Excellent communicator
• Operational experience gained in a service delivery business, preferably within engineering
• Motivator and leader of diverse teams
• Ability to build strong relationships both internally & externally
• Ability to analyse costs and look to reduce expenditure
• Systems/IT dexterous - Able to understand how to streamline procedures/technology to increase effectiveness - Excel Competent
• Great Leadership & coaching skills
• Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to develop and manage commercial agreements with suppliers
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, with the flexibility to adapt to changing business priorities.
• Demonstrable experience of commercial thinking and working closely with Sales/Marketing to drive growth in existing accounts
• History of supporting Sales/Marketing to win new ticket accounts and/or new channels including face-to-face meetings with potential new customers when necessary

Applications are invited from candidates with the required skillset gained in a business which preferably provides engineering services to customers across the UK. These businesses could be in HVAC, IT, Industrial/Commercial building services, Industrial Door Services, Facilities Management or Emergency Call Out services.

Due to the high number of applications being received at present, it is not always possible to respond to all applicants. Please keep in mind that if you do not get a response within 14 days, your application on this occasion has been unsuccessful.