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- Tasks: Lead a fast-growing UK manufacturing business through transformative growth and operational excellence.
- Company: Dynamic, privately-owned interior products manufacturer backed by active investors.
- Benefits: Performance bonuses, equity participation, and relocation support available.
- Why this job: Seize the chance to shape a disruptive company and drive significant market impact.
- Qualifications: Proven CEO experience in manufacturing with strong operational and commercial skills.
- Other info: Join a committed team and engage with an innovative founder for future success.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A rapidly scaling UK manufacturing business in the interior products sector is seeking an outstanding Chief Executive Officer to lead the next stage of its growth. The company has grown more than 5x in the last three years, completed a major capital investment programme, and now requires a proven CEO to professionalise operations, build organisational capacity and deliver further expansion in the UK and internationally.
This is a rare opportunity to take a profitable, innovation-led manufacturer through a transformative scale-up journey, culminating in a value-creation event in the medium term.
The OpportunityThe incoming CEO will:
- Lead the business through a period of accelerated, controlled growth
- Strengthen operational performance, quality, certification and systemisation
- Build and develop a capable senior leadership team
- Drive commercial expansion across multiple specification-led and channel markets
- Take joint ownership of relationships with major national clients
- Bring strategic coherence to a business experiencing high inbound demand
- Work closely with an engaged founder who will focus on innovation and key account development
- Prepare the organisation for a successful future exit
The business is profitable, agile, well-invested and primed for scale. You will inherit a committed team, modern production capabilities, strong brand foundations, and a well-developed growth plan.
Candidate ProfileExperience Required:
- CEO/MD/GM background within manufacturing, ideally building materials, interiors, engineered products or similar
- Demonstrable success scaling a business from c.£5–10m to £25–30m+
- Strong operational literacy: production processes, QA, compliance, certification, capex, throughput
- Commercial experience selling into construction, specification or project-driven markets
- Exposure to founder-led or investor-backed environments
- Full P&L competence and organisational leadership experience
- High emotional intelligence; diplomatic, credible and relationship-focused
- Hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up approach; visible leadership style
- Calm under pressure; resilient and solutions-oriented
- Comfortable challenging constructively and introducing structure without killing entrepreneurial culture
- Ambitious, driven and energised by high-growth environments
- Opportunity to lead a uniquely disruptive, fast-growing UK manufacturer
- Strong competitive position with demonstrable market traction
- Significant headroom across multiple domestic and international sectors
- Highly engaged board and founder who want this to succeed
- A real chance to build an organisation, not just run one
- Clear pathway to meaningful equity value within 3–5 years
- Performance-related bonus
- Equity participation
- Relocation support where required (based in the East of England)
For an initial confidential conversation, please contact the retained search partner.
Chief Executive Officer in London employer: Builders' Merchants News
Contact Detail:
Builders' Merchants News Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry leaders, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CEO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership style! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to share your vision and how you plan to drive growth. They want to see your hands-on approach in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company inside out! Understand their products, market position, and growth plans. This will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in leading their business.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly shows your commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in scaling businesses and operational leadership, especially in manufacturing or similar sectors. We want to see how your background aligns with our growth ambitions!
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 CEO role. Share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to leading a high-growth business like ours.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: We’re looking for someone with a hands-on, visible leadership style. In your application, give us a glimpse of how you lead teams and foster relationships. We want to know how you can bring strategic coherence while maintaining an entrepreneurial spirit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Builders' Merchants News
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before stepping into the interview, make sure you’ve done your homework on the company. Understand their growth trajectory, key products, and market position. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
As a potential CEO, it’s crucial to convey your leadership philosophy. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through growth phases. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you’ve maintained a balance between structure and entrepreneurial spirit.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think of scenarios where you had to make tough decisions or navigate challenges in scaling a business. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
In a role like this, emotional intelligence is key. Be prepared to discuss how you build relationships with stakeholders and manage team dynamics. Share instances where your diplomatic approach has led to successful outcomes, especially in founder-led or investor-backed environments.
