Managing Director – Contract Electronics Manufacturing - North West England (onsite)
A UK-based contract electronics manufacturer is seeking a commercially driven and sales focused Managing Director to lead its next phase of growth.
The business is an established, engineering-led manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality, flexibility and customer service. It supports customers across technically demanding sectors, with capabilities spanning PCB assembly, box-build, cable and harness assembly, prototyping, NPI, testing and wider electromechanical solutions.
Following recent investment, the business is entering an exciting growth phase. The successful candidate will lead the commercial and strategic agenda, strengthen the leadership team, broaden the customer base, expand into new sectors and work closely with the board and investors to deliver sustainable value creation.
Previous experience in contract manufacturing is essential, specifically within electronics manufacturing, and ideally within PCB assembly or closely related PCB/electronics manufacturing services. Prior private equity experience is highly desirable, particularly experience working with investors, value creation plans, governance, KPIs and growth-focused board environments.
Key Responsibilities
* Set and deliver the growth agenda, including sales strategy, marketing direction, customer acquisition and sector expansion.
* Build a stronger commercial capability, developing pipeline, improving conversion and increasing share of wallet with existing customers.
* Expand into growth sectors such as defence, aerospace, industrial, energy, utilities, automotive, rail, medical or life sciences.
* Work closely with the board and investors on strategy, reporting, governance, KPIs, value creation and exit readiness.
* Align manufacturing, engineering, quality and service delivery with commercial growth.
* Drive margin improvement, process discipline, productivity and continuous improvement.
* Develop a high-performing leadership team and embed a culture of accountability, quality and customer focus.
* Reduce customer concentration risk and strengthen the business’s market position.
* Act as a credible external representative with customers, suppliers, investors and industry partners.
* Support potential acquisition opportunities where appropriate.
The ideal candidate will bring:
* Senior leadership experience in contract electronics manufacturing, EMS, PCB assembly or a closely related engineering-led manufacturing environment.
* Strong sales and commercial capability, with evidence of driving revenue growth, winning customers and developing existing accounts.
* Understanding of low-to-medium volume, high-quality, bespoke or technically complex manufacturing.
* Experience across PCB assembly, box-build, cable/harness assembly, prototyping, NPI, testing or value-added manufacturing services.
* Operational credibility, with the ability to turn commercial ambition into scalable delivery.
* Private equity-backed experience would be highly advantageous.
* Exposure to M&A, acquisitions or integration would be beneficial.
* Strong leadership skills, with the ability to develop teams, improve structure and lead change.
* A hands‑on, entrepreneurial style suited to a growing SME environment.
* Board‑level credibility combined with the ability to stay close to execution.
This is a rare opportunity to lead an established UK manufacturing platform with strong technical capability, supportive investment backing and clear growth potential. The successful candidate will shape strategy, build capability, diversify the customer base and drive the next stage of value creation.
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