Managing Director - TouchWood Play

Location: Bristol, with UK & occasional international travel

A rare leadership opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s most creative, values‑driven play design and build companies.

Touch Wood Play is a pioneering, Bristol‑based business that has been designing, building and installing extraordinary natural playgrounds for more than 20 years. Known for its imagination, craftsmanship and commitment to sustainability, Touch Wood creates play experiences that inspire, challenge and connect children with the natural world.

From show‑stopping adventure playgrounds to immersive nature‑led installations, Touch Wood is one of the few organisations that controls the full journey — sourcing and processing raw materials, designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke and Signature Feature play spaces across the UK and internationally.

With a proud heritage, a loyal team and an ambitious plan the business is now preparing for its next phase of growth — and is seeking a commercially astute and people‑centred Managing Director to lead that journey.

• Shape and deliver a long‑term growth strategy across all functions.
• Strengthen Touch Wood’s commercial capability, including UK and international market development.
• Build efficiency, alignment and consistency across design, production, installation and operations.
• Champion innovation, R&D and bold thinking in design and product development.
• Lead, support and develop a committed team; nurture a culture that balances creativity, care and accountability.
• Provide visible, values‑driven leadership with clear decision‑making and strong stakeholder relationships.

We’re looking for a leader with experience in complex, multidisciplinary environments — such as bespoke manufacturing, leisure, fabrication, construction, design‑build or similar project‑based sectors.

You will bring:

• Strong commercial leadership and an ability to manage growth.
• Experience working with bespoke projects and interdependent teams.
• Confidence in developing new markets, including exports or distributor models.
• A thoughtful, people‑centred leadership style.
• Strategic clarity combined with a willingness to roll up your sleeves when needed.

A connection to creative industries, natural materials or child‑centred design would be an advantage, but above all, we seek a values‑aligned leader who understands how to balance creativity and craft with commercial rigour.

Moon Executive Search is proud to partner with Touch Wood Play on this important appointment.

To apply , please contact Vanessa Moon or Simon Quinn via , quoting .

All direct or third‑party applications will be forwarded to Moon Executive Search.