Engineering/General Manager

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