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Van Haven is the UK's leading specialist in VW Transporter sales and conversions. With a reputation for quality and innovation, we offer a complete, high-end experience from factory-ordered base vehicles to full bespoke conversions. Based in Dorset, we serve a nationwide customer base through our on-site showroom, workshop, and digital presence. Our team of 30 includes sales professionals, technicians, marketers, and administrative staff — all passionate about building extraordinary vans and a premium customer journey.
The Opportunity
As Managing Director, you'll take the reins of day-to-day operations and lead the company into its next stage of growth. You’ll bring structure, drive commercial performance, and be the glue between people, process, and profit. This is a hands-on leadership role with real impact, working closely with the founder and key department heads to deliver strategic objectives, streamline production, and build a high-performance team culture.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Own the day-to-day management of the business across sales, marketing, production, and finance.
Define, document, and enforce SOPs (standard operating procedures) across all departments.
Establish and manage company-wide dashboards and weekly reporting cadences (KPIs, performance, bottlenecks).
People & Culture
Lead department heads in Sales, Marketing, Finance, HR, and production.
Support hiring, onboarding, and development of team leaders.
Set clear roles, responsibilities, and expectations throughout the organisation.
Instil accountability and improve internal communication through structured meeting rhythms.
Production & Workflow
Implement a visible, trackable production schedule (digital and physical) to manage all conversions and vehicle builds.
Coordinate workshop capacity with sales demand and available stock.
Identify and eliminate delays, rework, and inefficiencies.
Strategic Planning & Commercial Oversight
Work with the founder to refine and execute the company’s growth strategy.
Regularly review business performance and margins.
Guide budgeting, pricing, and cost control decisions to protect and grow profitability.
Lead change management and continuous improvement initiatives.
Ensure sales and marketing are aligned around shared goals and lead generation expectations.
Ensure monthly KPIs are met each month.
Ensure customer journey and satisfaction are above expectation at all times
Ensure marketing has the data, budget, and clarity to deliver ROI-driven lead gen campaigns.
Finance & Compliance
Work alongside the Financial Controller to monitor cash flow, stock valuation, and financial KPIs.
Ensure the business operates within financial and legal compliance frameworks.
Support the founder in preparing the business for next phase of growth helping to create and execute business goals.
Who We're Looking For
Background: 5+ years in an operational or general management role in a small to mid-sized business (ideally product or service-based).
Style: Hands-on, organised, confident communicator. Not afraid to roll up sleeves.
Mindset: Calm under pressure, problem-solver, resilient, and motivated to own outcomes.
Values: Integrity, structure, team empowerment, and entrepreneurial drive.
Bonus: Experience working with founders, in automotive or bespoke manufacturing sectors.
After demonstrating strong performance and cultural fit, the right candidate will be offered the chance to earn shares in the business and help lead it through the next phase
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