Job Summary
General Manager – Automotive Manufacturing
Bridgwater, Somerset | Automotive Manufacturing Facility
£60,000 basic + performance-related bonus | £80,000 OTE
Permanent | Full-time | Monday to Friday
A senior leadership role with genuine ownership of a growing automotive manufacturing operation, significant OEM programmes and an experienced production team.
A senior leadership role with genuine ownership of a growing automotive manufacturing operation, significant OEM programmes and an experienced production team.
The Opportunity
Vanworx is looking for an experienced General Manager to take full operational responsibility for our automotive manufacturing facility in Bridgwater, delivering specialist vehicle programmes for major OEMs alongside commercial vehicle production and a growing range of vehicle conversion programmes.
This is an exciting opportunity to take a great existing team and developing operation forward. The site has been established to deliver a significant OEM vehicle programme, with further opportunities to grow our automotive manufacturing and vehicle conversion activities.
The successful candidate will have two clear objectives: deliver our existing OEM production commitments exceptionally well, while maximising the people, capacity and commercial potential of the site.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will have significant autonomy and overall responsibility for the day-to-day performance and continued development of the Bridgwater operation.
The Role
- Lead the Bridgwater operation across production, workshop, planning, logistics and stores.
- Take ownership of production output, quality, efficiency, people and financial performance.
- Ensure robust production planning and scheduling processes are in place.
- Establish clear KPIs, reporting and management accountability.
- Manage operational budgets, labour efficiency and productivity.
- Identify and implement improvements to manufacturing processes and workflow.
- Coach and develop managers, supervisors and team leaders.
- Maintain high standards of quality, organisation and health & safety.
- Work with the MD and senior leadership team to maximise site capacity and develop additional commercial opportunities.
- Ensure available production capacity is proactively utilised to support further growth.
About You
We are looking for a strong, commercially minded manufacturing leader with:
- Senior leadership experience within manufacturing, production, engineering or automotive.
- Experience managing and developing managers and team leaders.
- A track record of improving productivity and operational performance.
- Experience with budgets, KPIs and financial accountability.
- Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
- A visible, positive and hands-on leadership style.
- The confidence to make decisions, create structure and hold people accountable.
Automotive experience would be advantageous but is not essential. Leadership ability, commercial awareness and manufacturing experience are more important.
What We Offer
- £60,000 basic salary + performance-related bonus (£80,000 OTE)
- Company pension
- 30 days' holiday
- Monday to Friday working
- Significant autonomy and responsibility
- Direct involvement with the Managing Director and senior leadership team
- Genuine opportunity to shape and grow a developing automotive manufacturing operation
For the right person, this is a rare opportunity to take an established team and newly developed facility and help build the next stage of a growing automotive business.
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Andy Pentelow at [email protected].
Pay: Up to £80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
