General Manager

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (part of the Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group) are a leading executive search and talent advisory firm specialising in the following sectors:

Rail & Transportation
Civils & Construction
Manufacturing & Supply Chain
Technology & Cyber Security
Logistics & Intermodal Freight
Defence
Our search directors, consultants, and in‑house research team specialise in retained opportunities at the highest levels of organisational leadership and management. Our success is built on trust‑driven relationships, deep market knowledge, and working practices that ensure the strongest possible alignment between organisational need, candidate experience, and personal ambition.

Having partnered with business leaders on bespoke assignments for over a decade, we understand exactly what our customers expect from an executive search and talent advisory service — whether the requirement is for an urgent executive interim or a long‑term permanent appointment. Ford & Stanley Executive Search provide the solution.

We have been exclusively appointed on a retained search for a General Manager.

Client Opportunity Statements:

“This is a pivotal appointment. The Southport site has huge potential but needs a dedicated leader with gravitas, curiosity, and a growth mindset to unlock it. The successful candidate must be able to challenge the status quo, energise the workforce, and build a strong partnership with sales to ensure we deliver on time, every time.”

“Scaling up for growth is critical. With major demand coming from North America, this role is about preparing the site to double or even treble its output while maintaining quality and safety.”

“This role is about visible leadership. We need someone who can be present on the shop floor, inspire the team, and take full ownership of the site. The General Manager will champion Southport within the wider group — raising its profile, unlocking its potential, and ensuring it delivers at the level we know it can.”

Client Company Overview

The organisation provides technology and supply chain solutions across the rail industry, supporting customers throughout the full asset lifecycle. They work collaboratively with partners to improve performance, reduce risk, and optimise cost.

The business operates across infrastructure, signalling, and rolling stock, serving a broad portfolio of customers including Operators, ROSCOs, Infrastructure Owners, and Contractors. They are a preferred supply partner for many rail organisations and play a critical role in enabling their customers to deliver reliable, high‑performing railway services.

The company is built on strong principles covering safety, corporate responsibility, employee engagement, and continuous improvement. Their approach ensures an ethical, responsible, and performance‑driven partnership with the global rail industry.

Challenges expected within the first 12 months include:

Resistance to change. We are expecting some pushback from those onsite with regards to new ways of working and it’s essential that our new General Manager leads from the front to inspire growth.

Elevating the reputation and awareness of the site within the wider group and demonstrating it’s progression as it continues to grow.

Thoroughly reviewing the potential of the site and understanding all the moving parts that need to align to allow for the rapid growth inbound.

Key deliverables within the first 12 months include:

Lead SAP system integration (2026) to unify processes and quality standards across Crewe & Southport sites.

Ensure rigorous safety standards are consistently met and adhered to.

Build an open and honest culture, visible leadership.

Establish a strong line of comms and relationship with the Sales team to better inform capacity planning and underpin on time, quality delivery

Essential Hard Skills (Skills & Experience)

Experience leading a comparable site in scale, budget, and headcount.

Manufacturing background within a transferable heavy industry such as rail, automotive, defence, aerospace, or similar (electronics preferred but not essential).

Must live within a one‑hour commute of Southport due to the requirement for present, hands‑on…