Managing Director

Position: Managing Director (Permanent)
Managing Director - Specialist Manufacturing

The Opportunity

We are recruiting a Managing Director for a profitable £9 million-turnover specialist manufacturer. This role is perfect for a leader who wants the "best of both worlds": the day-to-day autonomy of an SME business and the financial backing of a NASDAQ-listed industrial group.

This is a hands-on position with P&L accountability and clear, defined routes for career progression:

Leadership Autonomy:
You will be trusted to run the business independently with streamlined, meaningful reporting and access to a supportive board.
Cultural Impact:
You will have a mandate to lead the continuation toward a democratic, high-trust culture, acting as a coach to empower a loyal workforce.
Scale the Business:
There is a realistic opportunity to significantly increase the size and performance of the company over the next five to ten years.
Group Progression:
Success here offers opportunities to run larger businesses within the group.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy:
Create and implement a plan to outperform annual budgets and meet realistic five-year growth targets.
Expansion:
Drive growth through new products, export opportunities and longer term the potential acquisition of a second manufacturing facility.
Customer Focus:
Work closely with the customers and distributors to increase sales.

Innovation: Oversee the move into sustainable manufacturing, including the rollout of a premium "green steel" product range.
Operations:
Ensure production, H&S, and quality standards remain high while finding ways to improve site efficiency.
Marketing:
Modernise the digital presence to ensure brand visibility matches technical expertise.

The Ideal Candidate

This is an ideal "step-up" for an ambitious senior leader ready for their first Managing Director appointment. We are looking for:

A background as a General Manager, Plant Manager, Sales Director, Commercial Director, Marketing Director, or Operations Director within manufacturing. Existing MDs will also be considered.
High levels of numeracy and comfort with the balance sheet and P&L.
Proven experience dealing directly with customers at a senior level.
The people leadership and coaching skills required to further develop a high trust, empowered, democratic culture.

The Package

Competitive base salary.
Performance bonus of up to 30 percent of basic salary.
Group share purchase scheme.
Executive company car.
25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
Company pension.

About The Company

Our client is a highly profitable specialist manufacturer and a recognised leader within a technical niche. While the business operates with the agility of an SME, it is part of a major NASDAQ-listed industrial group with over 1,400 employees. The parent group follows a long-term "buy and hold" strategy, providing the local site with significant financial security and the capital to invest in sustainable innovation.

To discuss this position in confidence, please submit your CV or call the office.

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