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 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 automotive aftermarket preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
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. 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 in Stevenage 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 benefits like a company pension, free parking, and performance-related bonuses, we offer a rewarding workplace for those eager to make meaningful contributions.
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 in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their products, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider info about the company and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how your hands-on experience aligns with their needs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved operations or driven growth in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director - Small Manufacturing and Automotive Aftermarket Business in Stevenage
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.
Show Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in small business management or the automotive aftermarket. We love seeing how your background aligns with our needs, so be specific about your achievements!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and qualities we’re looking for in a Managing Director. Show us why you’re the perfect fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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, their market position in the automotive aftermarket, and their operational challenges. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
Since this role is all about being hands-on, prepare examples from your past where you've directly improved operations or led a team in a manufacturing environment. Be ready to discuss specific situations where your actions led to tangible results, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of scenarios where you've faced challenges in a small business setting and how you tackled them. The interviewers will be looking for someone who can move from problem to action quickly, so share your thought process and decision-making strategies during these discussions.
✨Be Curious About Technology
This role requires a comfort level with modern tools and systems. Prepare to discuss how you've used technology to improve processes in the past. Show your curiosity about automation and AI tools, and be ready to suggest how they could benefit the business you're interviewing for.
