Managing Director
Location: Flexible within the UK (Midlands or South East preferred)
Package: Competitive salary, performance-linked incentives, and share participation
The Opportunity
A highly respected, UK-based manufacturing group is seeking an experienced Managing Director to lead the business through a critical period of growth, optimisation, and exit preparation. With a turnover of c.£20 million and operations spanning three sites, the business is targeting a sale within a 3–5 year horizon. The incoming MD will be instrumental in shaping the strategic roadmap, creating shareholder value, and ensuring the company is positioned as an attractive, high-performing asset.
This is a confidential opportunity for a strategic, commercially driven leader who has successfully prepared and scaled a business for sale—ideally under private equity, family ownership, or founder-led conditions.
Role Purpose
* Lead the business through its next phase of development, with a clear mandate to drive value creation and prepare for a controlled exit event.
* Shape and execute a 3–5 year strategic plan aligned to enhancing EBITDA, professionalising operations, and improving commercial performance.
* Act as a key figurehead for the business, both internally and externally, ensuring alignment of all functional areas to the growth and exit objectives.
* Maintain strong operational grip while also managing forward-facing strategic goals such as buyer readiness, governance, and M&A.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and deliver a value-enhancing strategy with a defined exit plan (trade sale or private equity exit).
* Drive cultural alignment, performance, and accountability across all functions and sites.
* Lead and develop a high-performing leadership team.
* Oversee P&L performance, budgeting, cash flow, and capital investment planning.
* Implement systems, controls, and reporting required to support due diligence readiness.
* Work closely with the Chairman, Board, and financial stakeholders to manage investor expectations.
* Identify bolt-on acquisition opportunities that support scale and valuation multiples.
* Build and maintain key relationships with potential acquirers, intermediaries, and advisors.
Essential Experience
* Proven success as a Managing Director, CEO, or senior executive with ownership responsibility and exit delivery.
* Track record of preparing and positioning a business for sale within a 3–5 year timeframe.
* Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, ideally in plastics, composites, or moulding sectors.
* Skilled in leading transformation programmes, EBITDA improvement, and governance uplift.
* Experience working with, or reporting to, private equity, family office, or investor-led boards.
* Commercial acumen, with strong financial literacy and operational command.
Desirable Attributes
* M&A experience (either buy-side or sell-side).
* Ability to enhance organisational capability, succession planning, and talent development.
* Networked within relevant manufacturing sectors and advisory communities.
* Balanced leadership style—strategically focused yet operationally credible.
The Offer
* A genuine leadership mandate to shape, scale, and sell a respected UK manufacturer.
* Equity participation linked to value creation and transaction outcomes.
* A visible and highly influential role reporting directly to the Chairman.
Next Steps
For a confidential discussion, please send your CV or executive summary to Carl Walker. All enquiries will be handled discreetly, and further company details will be shared at the appropriate stage.