We are supporting the appointment of a Managing Director to lead a well-established UK manufacturing SME into its next phase of development. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role combining operational excellence with strong commercial drive.
The role will suit a Managing Director (or senior operational/commercial leader ready to step up) who is genuinely comfortable being close to production, visible on the shop floor, and actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business, while also setting clear direction and driving sustainable performance improvement.
The role
Reporting to the Board, the Managing Director will have full responsibility for the performance, profitability and long-term development of the business. You will lead across production, sales, engineering and support functions, translating strategy into practical actions, clear priorities and measurable results.
Key elements of the role include:
* Overall accountability for operational and commercial performance
* Ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality manufacturing operations
* Driving continuous improvement in productivity, cost, quality and delivery
* Maintaining close involvement in day-to-day operations where required
* Leading and developing a multi-disciplinary team across the organisation
* Supporting and strengthening the sales function, both domestically and internationally
* Identifying improvement opportunities and turning them into practical, owned actions
* Representing the business with customers, partners and key stakeholders
* Working closely with international group colleagues to drive alignment and synergy
Leadership style
This is a hands-on SME leadership role, suited to someone who:
* Leads from the front and by example
* Is pragmatic, grounded and approachable in style
* Builds trust through credibility rather than hierarchy
* Is decisive, resilient and comfortable making tough calls
* Enjoys improving how things work, every day
* Balances operational detail with longer-term direction
Background & experience
* Senior leadership experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment
* Strong understanding of production/operations and commercial drivers
* Proven experience of driving operational improvements and performance development
* Comfortable operating in an SME setting with broad accountability
* Experience working with international colleagues or group structures is advantageous
Location
The role is UK-based with an expectation of regular on-site presence (typically five days per week) and some travel as required.
This is an opportunity for a commercially minded, production-focused leader to make a visible and lasting impact in a growing manufacturing business.
If you want a proper MD role — close to the operation, with real accountability and the opportunity to shape the future — we’d be keen to speak confidentially