Site General Manager, Perth, UK
Are you an experienced manufacturing leader looking for the opportunity to lead a technically advanced industrial operation within a global engineering business? With strong operational leadership experience and a passion for driving performance, this position offers the opportunity to influence the future development, culture, and success of an established manufacturing site operating at the forefront of industrial heating technology.
Kanthal is the global market leader in industrial heating technology, with 7 Production Units and a global sales and marketing organisation serving customers worldwide.
Escape Recruitment is exclusively supporting Kanthal with the appointment of a driven, operationally focused, and people-oriented leader to take overall responsibility for the Perth Production Unit.
Kanthal, part of the global Alleima Group, is recognised for combining technical innovation, manufacturing excellence, and long-term industrial expertise with a strong focus on safety, continuous improvement, and employee development.
About the role:
In this position, the successful candidate will lead the continued development of the Perth operation by driving operational excellence across manufacturing performance, safety, quality, customer delivery, and continuous improvement.
The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight within a technically advanced manufacturing environment and carries significant influence across the wider business.
The core responsibilities for this role are to:
Lead and further develop a strong safety-first and operational excellence culture
Drive manufacturing performance, productivity, efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives
Lead, support, and develop the Senior Management Team and wider organisation
Ensure the site achieves operational, quality, customer, and financial objectives
Support long-term operational development, investment, and site strategy
Drive employee engagement, organisational capability, and succession planning
Ensure an efficient and sustainable manufacturing operation aligned to business objectives
Support customer relationships and resolution of operational or quality-related challenges
Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and company standards
Act as Managing Director designate / Legal Entity Representative for the UK operation where delegatedIn this role, the successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders across Kanthal and Alleima globally and operate as part of the wider Global Operations structure. International travel may occasionally be required.
About You
Applications are welcomed from experienced manufacturing or industrial leaders with a strong background in operational leadership within complex production environments.
Suitable candidates will demonstrate experience leading operational improvement, business performance, and organisational development within engineering, industrial, technical, or process manufacturing settings.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are essential, alongside the ability to drive accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement across a manufacturing operation.
Experience within engineering-led manufacturing, technical products, lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or unionised environments would be advantageous.
What's on offer
A senior leadership role within a globally recognised engineering and manufacturing business
The opportunity to influence the future direction and performance of the Perth operation
A technically advanced manufacturing environment with strong long-term investment and growth ambitions
A collaborative culture focused on safety, quality, operational excellence, and innovation
A competitive package including annual bonus opportunity, company car or allowance, private healthcare, pension, and additional employee benefits
The opportunity to work within a global organisation committed to innovation, sustainability, and industrial technology leadershipKanthal is part of the Alleima Group and is recognised globally for its specialist industrial heating technology and advanced materials expertise