At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and grow a small manufacturing business in the automotive aftermarket.
- Company: A hands-on, specialist manufacturing company focused on safety-related products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, pension, and free parking.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and innovation in a close-knit team.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions and improve operations in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in small business management or related fields preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
For a complete understanding of this opportunity, and what will be required to be a successful applicant, read on.
About the Business
We are a small, specialist manufacturing business supplying safety-related products into the automotive aftermarket. We operate with a compact team, a hands-on workshop environment, and close relationships with our customers. This is a real SME business - practical, fast-moving, and built on people doing things properly rather than layers of process.
The Role
We are looking for a hands-on Managing Director to take day-to-day responsibility for running and growing the business. This role suits someone who enjoys being close to the detail, improving how things work, and steadily building a business rather than maintaining the status quo. It is not a corporate MD role. There will be an initial handover period working alongside the current interim Managing Director to ensure continuity and a smooth transition before full responsibility transfers.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Running the business day to day
- Driving revenue growth, pricing discipline and margin improvement
- Improving operational efficiency across production, stock and delivery
- Leading, supporting and developing a small team
- Making sound commercial decisions within tight budgets
- Using financial information and simple reporting to guide actions
- Improving organisation, workflow and standards on the shop floor over time
- Introducing better systems, tools and ways of working where they add value
- Taking ownership of outcomes, not just activity
Technology, Systems & AI
You do not need to be technical or write code, but you must be comfortable using modern tools. This includes:
- Using systems and dashboards to understand performance
- Improving reporting and visibility through simple technology
- Being curious about automation and AI tools that can help reduce admin and improve:
- Sales follow-up
- Stock control
- Reporting and visibility
- Internal processes
This role suits someone who enjoys making a business run better through smarter ways of working.
The Environment (Important to Understand)
This is a working manufacturing environment, not a polished corporate operation. The shop floor and processes are functional but require structure, discipline and ongoing improvement. We are looking for someone who:
- Is not put off by this
- Sees it as an opportunity
- Enjoys steadily raising standards and improving how the business operates
This is a hands-on, close-to-operations role.
Who This Role Suits (Persona)
This role suits someone who is:
- A small-business practitioner, not a corporate manager
- Commercially sharp – understands pricing, margins, cash and trade-offs
- Hands-on – comfortable being close to operations, people and the shop floor
- Solution-first – instinctively moves from problem to action
- Decisive – able to make calls without perfect information
- Hungry to grow – wants to build and scale a business, not just maintain one
- Comfortable working with tight budgets and finding creative solutions
- Tech-comfortable – curious about systems, automation and AI (not technical, but open and capable)
- Operationally creative – finds better ways to serve customers and organise work
- Able to lead a small team, delegate effectively, build confidence and help others grow
- Adaptable – willing to change approach when something isn’t working
This is not a caretaker role.
Background & Experience
- Experience running or helping run a small business or division
- Automotive aftermarket, manufacturing, engineering or similar SME background preferred
- Experience with safety-related or regulated products is a plus, not essential
- Direct seatbelt or automotive safety experience is not required
- Commercial or sales background is helpful, but not mandatory
- Must understand how financial reports inform day-to-day decisions
Salary & Incentives
- Base salary of £50,000
- Performance-related bonus linked to business results
- Opportunity for short and longer term incentives for the right person, based on delivery and retention
In Summary
This role is for someone who wants to own a small business environment, make real decisions, improve how things work, and grow alongside the company.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits: Company pension, Free parking, Sick pay
Managing Director - Small Manufacturing and Automotive Aftermarket Business employer: Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturing Firm
As a small, specialist manufacturing business in the automotive aftermarket, we pride ourselves on our hands-on work culture and close-knit team environment. Employees enjoy the opportunity for personal growth and development while directly impacting the company's success, all within a practical and dynamic setting that values innovation and efficiency. With competitive salary packages, performance-related bonuses, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we offer a rewarding workplace for those eager to make a difference.
Contact Details:
Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturing Firm Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director - Small Manufacturing and Automotive Aftermarket Business
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, make sure to express your enthusiasm for improving operations and driving growth. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles to really stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on discussions! Since this role is all about being close to operations, be ready to talk about practical solutions you've implemented in the past. Think about how you can apply your experience to improve efficiency and drive results in a small business environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're serious about the opportunity and gives us a chance to see your enthusiasm right from the start. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director - Small Manufacturing and Automotive Aftermarket Business
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for small businesses and hands-on management.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in manufacturing or the automotive aftermarket. Show us how your background aligns with our needs and the role's requirements.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:We love candidates who can think on their feet! Use your application to demonstrate how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in a small business setting. Give us examples of your solution-first mindset.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturing Firm
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research the company thoroughly. Understand their products, the automotive aftermarket landscape, and their operational challenges. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and show that you're ready to dive into the hands-on role.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Prepare examples from your past where you've successfully improved operations or led a small team. Highlight specific instances where you made decisions that positively impacted revenue or efficiency. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for a practical, solution-first approach.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Financial Acumen
Since the role involves making sound commercial decisions, brush up on how financial reports influence day-to-day operations. Be prepared to discuss how you've used financial data in previous roles to drive growth or improve margins, as this will be crucial for the position.
✨Emphasise Adaptability and Curiosity
The environment is dynamic and requires someone who can adapt quickly. Share examples of how you've navigated change in previous roles and your willingness to explore new technologies or systems. This will show that you're not just comfortable with the status quo but eager to innovate.
