General Manager

Bodycote plc; Chard; On-site; GBP 150,000 - GBP 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent thermal processing company in Chard is seeking a General Manager to lead site operations and drive cultural change. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of technical management experience, particularly in heat treatment and manufacturing. This role requires a strong leader who can implement Lean/Six Sigma methodologies and demonstrate a commitment to operational excellence. With onsite expectations, this position offers opportunities for career progression in a supportive environment focused on growth and development.

Benefits

Career progression opportunities

Exposure to international projects

Supportive culture for growth

Competitive salary and benefits package

Qualifications

• 8+ years' experience in technical or heat-treatment management.
• Demonstrable experience in a site leadership role within manufacturing environments.
• Experience in aerospace/defense manufacturing or NADCAP-accredited operations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Drive cultural change and operational excellence at the Chard facility.
• Lead and motivate teams to achieve continuous improvements.
• Manage site operations within a highly regulated environment.

Skills

Leadership

Lean/Six Sigma methodologies

Change management

Operational excellence

Job description

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 guide everything we do. With a global footprint and a culture that values collaboration, curiosity, and continuous improvement, we’re proud to offer an environment where you can make a real difference.

The Role

We're seeking a strong people leader to join us as General Manager to shape and evolve the culture at our Chard facility. This is a pivotal leadership role for a proven GM who thrives on driving change, driving continuous improvements, and delivering operational excellence in a highly regulated environment.

Key essentials

• Demonstrable experience in a site leadership role, within complex operations or manufacturing environments.
• 8+ years’ experience in technical or heat-treatment management.
• Strong appreciation of and experience in Lean / Six Sigma methodologies
• Excellent motivational and leadership capability
• Experience within aerospace/defence manufacturing, industrial engineering, or NADCAP-accredited operations is desirable.

Attributes

collaborative, proactive, results-driven, and committed to operational excellence and safety.

What’s In It for You

• Career progression opportunities in a global business
• Exposure to international projects and change initiatives
• A supportive culture where your growth and development matter
• Join us at an exciting point of change, where your expertise will help define the next chapter of our business
• Competitive salary and benefits package

Location & Work Pattern

This role is based in Chard with onsite expectations. Some travel may be required.

Ready to Apply?

If you’re excited by the idea of shaping the future of metallurgy with Bodycote, we’d love to hear from you. Why not explore this opportunity further, to 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.