At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a multi-site engineering division and drive operational and commercial growth.
- Company: Dynamic engineering group with a strong market position and ambitious growth plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, benefits, and long-term incentive plan.
- Other info: High levels of autonomy and opportunity for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a key division and make a real impact in a growth-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing or engineering with strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 150000 £ per year.
We are working with a highly successful, acquisitive engineering and industrial solutions group seeking to appoint a Managing Director to lead a strategically important division. This is a significant leadership opportunity within an established and ambitious group operating within specialist technical and industrial markets, supplying engineered products and technical solutions to customers across multiple sectors throughout the UK and Europe.
The division operates across a multi-site manufacturing and distribution footprint, serving a diverse customer base through a combination of technical expertise, operational capability and long-standing supplier relationships. With a strong market position, experienced operational teams and a reputation for quality and customer service, the business is well positioned for continued growth through both organic development and further acquisition activity. The incoming Managing Director will play a key role in shaping the future direction of the division, driving operational performance and leading the commercial growth agenda in support of the wider group's long-term strategic ambitions.
This opportunity offers the chance to:
- Lead a complex, multi-site international business
- Drive operational transformation and commercial growth
- Shape divisional strategy and long-term business plans
- Develop and strengthen high-performing leadership teams
- Influence at Group Senior Leadership Team level
- Play a key role within a dynamic, acquisitive growth environment
Reporting to the Group MD, the role has full strategic, operational and commercial responsibility for a specialist engineered products division operating across multiple UK and European locations. This is a broad leadership role with full P&L accountability and responsibility for driving sustainable growth, operational excellence and organisational development across the division.
Key areas of focus will include:
- Leading the strategic direction and growth agenda for the division
- Driving operational excellence across manufacturing, logistics and distribution
- Delivering strong financial performance and effective working capital management
- Leading and developing senior operational and functional leadership teams
- Enhancing customer experience and strengthening key supplier relationships
- Driving commercial performance through effective sales leadership, robust sales processes and margin improvement initiatives
- Championing continuous improvement, lean manufacturing and operational efficiency
- Supporting further integration, scalability and acquisition activity
- Ensuring compliance across health & safety, quality and environmental standards
This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a commercially minded and operationally strong executive capable of balancing strategic thinking with hands-on leadership.
We are seeking an experienced and credible senior leader with a strong track record of delivering growth and operational improvement within manufacturing, engineering, industrial or technically led environments. You may already be operating at Managing Director level or be an experienced General Manager / Divisional leader ready to step into a broader executive role.
Key attributes and experience include:
- Proven leadership experience within manufacturing, engineering or industrial sectors
- Strong strategic, commercial and operational capability
- Full P&L ownership and financial management experience
- Experience leading complex, multi-site operations
- A demonstrable track record of building successful sales teams and implementing effective sales processes
- Experience delivering sustainable revenue growth and improved product margins
- A track record of driving operational improvement and continuous improvement initiatives
- Strong stakeholder, customer and supplier relationship management skills
- The ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced, growth-focused environment
- An engaging, authentic and collaborative leadership style
Why Apply:
- Leadership role within a successful and ambitious engineering group
- Strategically important division with strong market positioning
- Opportunity to shape and influence long-term growth plans
- Exposure to acquisitive and transformational growth initiatives
- High levels of autonomy, responsibility and influence
- A collaborative, entrepreneurial and growth-oriented culture
- The opportunity to make a genuine impact within a technically strong business group
Managing Director in Manchester employer: Axon Moore
Join a leading engineering and industrial solutions group as a Managing Director, where you will have the opportunity to shape the future of a strategically important division. With a strong market position and a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture, this role offers high levels of autonomy, responsibility, and the chance to drive operational excellence and commercial growth across multiple sites in the North West of England. The company is committed to employee development and offers competitive benefits, including a substantial salary package, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding leadership opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, market position, and recent news. We want to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for the division and how you can drive growth. We need to convey confidence and clarity in our leadership style, so rehearse those key points until they roll off your tongue.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We want to leave a lasting impression, so let’s make sure they remember us for all the right reasons.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Managing Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in manufacturing or engineering, and don’t forget to showcase your track record in driving growth and operational improvement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for the division and how your strategic thinking can drive commercial growth. Keep it engaging and authentic!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a team that improved sales by a certain percentage? Or perhaps you implemented a process that saved costs? Numbers speak volumes, so let them do the talking!
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our dynamic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Axon Moore
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Managing Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the division, such as P&L statements and operational budgets. Be ready to discuss how you've driven revenue growth and improved margins in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a strong leader who can build high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've developed leadership capabilities within your teams and fostered a collaborative environment. Highlight your authentic and engaging leadership style during the interview.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the engineering and industrial solutions market, especially in the UK and Europe. Be prepared to discuss current trends, challenges, and opportunities that could impact the division's growth. This shows your strategic thinking and industry knowledge.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and operational excellence. Think of specific scenarios where you've successfully led change or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
