Job Title

Managing DirectorCheck out the role overview below If you are confident you have got the right skills and experience, apply today.Location: Flexible within the UK (Midlands or South East preferred)Package: Competitive salary, performance-linked incentives, and share participationThe OpportunityA 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 35 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 saleideally under private equity, family ownership, or founder-led conditions.Role PurposeLead 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 35 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 ResponsibilitiesDesign 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 ExperienceProven 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 35 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 AttributesM&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 stylestrategically focused yet operationally credible.The OfferA 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 StepsFor 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.