Managing Director Projects (LIFT sector experience is essential)
UK | Board-Level Role | PE-Backed Growth Platform
Salary DOE will range from £125,000 to £175,000 + Equity + Bonus + Benefits
A rare opportunity to lead and scale a national projects platform within a high-growth, investor-backed business
We are partnering with a private equity-backed group on an ambitious growth journey, with a clear strategy centred around both organic expansion and targeted acquisitions.
As part of the next phase of growth, the business is looking to appoint a Managing Director – Projects to take full ownership of a critical and high-value division focused on modernisation and new installation programmes at scale.
This is a true board-level leadership role, offering full P&L accountability and the opportunity to directly shape the future capability, performance, and market position of a national projects platform.
The opportunity
This is more than a divisional leadership role, it is an opportunity to:
* Build and scale a best-in-class projects business within a rapidly growing group
* Lead a division delivering complex, high-value modernisation and new build programmes
* Influence strategy at board level and work closely with private equity stakeholders
* Play a central role in a clearly defined value creation and exit plan
* Create a high-performing, scalable operating model that drives sustainable growth and margin expansion
The platform has already established strong foundations and is now entering a more accelerated phase of growth, creating a genuine opportunity for an experienced leader to make a transformational impact.
The role
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will assume full leadership and accountability for the Projects division, responsible for driving commercial performance, operational delivery and long-term strategic growth.
Key areas of focus include:
Strategic & Commercial Leadership
* Define and execute a clear growth strategy aligned to the wider group’s ambitions
* Drive expansion across large-scale modernisation programmes and complex installations
* Lead pricing strategy, commercial frameworks and contract negotiations
* Own and manage risk across major projects and delivery programmes
* Build long-term, high-value client relationships
Operational Excellence & Scalable Delivery
* Oversee end-to-end project delivery across multiple programmes
Ensure best-in-class performance across:
* Safety
* Quality
* Programme certainty
* Margin delivery
* Drive process improvement, standardisation and scalable delivery models
* Embed modern systems, reporting and operational discipline
Leadership & Capability Building
* Build, lead and develop a high-performing leadership team
* Create a culture built around accountability, delivery and continuous improvement
* Drive talent development and succession across the division
* Set and maintain a strong safety-first mindset
Stakeholder & Board Engagement
* Work closely with the CEO and private equity investors
* Provide clear, data-led performance visibility to the Board
* Collaborate across the wider group to ensure alignment with growth strategy
* Monitor market dynamics, competitor activity and strategic opportunities
The journey
* This is a business with a clear and compelling growth story:
* Established, profitable platform with strong market presence
* Backed by experienced private equity investors
* Actively executing a buy-and-build strategy
* Investing in capability, systems and talent to drive scale
* Clear pathway to future value realisation and exit
You will be joining at a point where foundations are in place, but the real scaling opportunity lies ahead.
What we’re looking for
We are seeking an exceptional leader who combines commercial insight, operational expertise and strategic vision.
You are likely to bring:
* Proven senior leadership experience in a projects-led environment
* Demonstrable experience delivering modernisation and new installation programmes at scale
* Full P&L ownership and accountability for growth and performance
* Strong commercial and contractual capability
* Experience operating in a private equity-backed or high-growth environment
* A leadership style that is visible, credible and delivery-focused
* A strong commitment to safety, quality and operational excellence
Why this role stands out
* Board-level influence with direct exposure to investors
* Full autonomy to shape and scale a critical division
* Opportunity to build a market-leading projects platform
* Direct contribution to a defined growth and exit strategy
* A fast-paced, ambitious and performance-driven environment
Apply
If you are a senior leader operating in a projects-led business, and you are looking for a role where you can take full ownership, drive meaningful growth, and play a central role in a high-profile platform build, we would welcome a confidential conversation. Contact Nick Singh on 07973757974 for a confidential chat or email your CV to