A well-established, research and strategy consultancy is seeking a commercially astute, values-led Managing Director to lead its next chapter.Founded over two decades ago, the organisation has built an internationally recognised reputation for high-quality research, evaluation, strategy and policy work across global challenges helping governments, donors, foundations and civil society learn and adapt. Their expertise covers a wide range of issues from governance, climate change and economic development to conflict, inclusion and humanitarian response.
The successful candidate will bring genuine commercial and turnaround leadership experience, combined with the ability to rebuild trust and re-energise a talented team through a new phase of growth. They will be a people-first leader who has working knowledge across some of their key areas of focus; conflict, climate change, economic development and justice. This role will suit a self-starter who wants to build and lead a business in an autonomous role, with the backing and expertise of a strong heritage and experienced board.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide overall commercial, financial and operational leadership of the business, with full P&L accountability
- Deliver against an agreed strategic plan, driving diversification into new sectors, clients and service lines
- Hold the leadership team to account against clear commercial KPIs, embedding a culture of financial discipline and accountability
- Lead, inspire and rebuild trust across a small, technically expert team following a period of significant organisational change
- Represent the organisation externally, developing and maintaining senior relationships with government departments, multilateral institutions, foundations and other key clients
- Maintain and grow existing high-value client relationships while identifying and securing new business opportunities
- Uphold and champion the organisation's values, employee ownership model and B Corp commitments
- Oversee governance, risk management and compliance in partnership with the Board and Trust Board
- Maintain personal billable/fee-earning delivery capacity alongside executive leadership responsibilities
- Manage the transition to a new hybrid working model and office arrangement
Key Requirements
- Senior executive leadership experience
- A demonstrable track record of leading an organisation through commercial challenge, restructuring or turnaround, ideally with quantifiable outcomes
- Proven ability to win and retain clients, with a credible personal network across government, international development, multilateral institutions, foundations, or adjacent commercial sectors
- Strong commercial and financial management acumen, with full P&L experience
- Experience of building and executing a growth or diversification strategy
- Corporate governance and risk management experience
- Comfort operating within a fee-earning, billable consulting delivery model
Managing Director in Slough employer: Hanson Search
As a well-established, employee-owned consultancy with B Corp certification, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and values-driven work culture that empowers our team to tackle significant global challenges. Our commitment to employee ownership not only enhances job satisfaction but also ensures that every team member has a stake in our success, promoting personal and professional growth opportunities. Located in a vibrant area, we offer a hybrid working model that supports work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that make a real difference in the world.
