Engineering / General Manager

Northampton Business Directory; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Northamptonshire is seeking an Engineering / General Manager to oversee its test and calibration laboratory. The role offers a unique opportunity for technical leadership with a focus on people management and business strategy development. Candidates should have a strong engineering background, ideally in electronics or instrumentation, and a passion for developing leadership skills. This full-time position includes a competitive salary and various employee benefits, such as pension contributions and annual leave.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution (9%)

20 days annual leave (rising to 25 with service) plus bank holidays

Discretionary profit-sharing bonus

Onsite parking

Succession opportunity within a respected engineering business

Qualifications

• Engineering background in electronics or instrumentation required.
• Strong analytical skills are essential.
• Desire to develop people management skills is important.

Responsibilities

• Manage the test and calibration laboratory and engineering activities.
• Provide leadership for a small operational team.
• Support business management activities including planning and decision-making.
• Assist with budgeting and financial tracking.
• Oversee HR and health & safety activities.
• Ensure compliance with quality and safety standards.
• Build relationships with external partners.
• Contribute to long-term strategy and improvement initiatives.
• Prepare for full managerial leadership transition.

Skills

Engineering background, ideally within electronics or instrumentation

Strong numerical and analytical skills

Experience in people management and leadership capability

Ability to balance technical work with operational responsibilities

Confident communicator able to lead a skilled team

Organised, proactive, comfortable working hands-on

Interest in business management and strategy

Job description

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