Site General Manager

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.

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 (this individual is Managing Director designate for the UK) 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 delegated

In 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.

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 with in engineering‑led manufacturing, technical products, lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or unionised environments would be advantageous.

• 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 leadership

Kanthal is part of the Alleima Group and is recognised globally for its specialist industrial heating technology and advanced materials expertise.