At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a manufacturing business through a pivotal period with strong operational and commercial leadership.
- Company: Dynamic manufacturing firm in Birmingham offering a hybrid work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and the chance to drive real change.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a values-driven culture.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact while leading a team and driving performance improvements.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Managing Director in manufacturing with strong leadership skills.
Rate: £600-£700 per day (Inside IR35)
Contract length: 3-6 months
Location: Birmingham (hybrid/on-site as required)
We are seeking an experienced Interim Managing Director to lead a manufacturing business through a pivotal period, providing strong operational, commercial and cultural leadership while driving performance improvement. This is a senior, hands-on interim assignment with full responsibility for strategy delivery, operational execution and financial performance, within a governance-led and values-driven environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Asset Management, the Interim Managing Director will take overall accountability for the performance of the business, providing visible leadership across operations, commercial activity and governance. You will lead a small senior management team and have indirect responsibility for all production, logistics, commercial and support functions.
Key objectives include:
- Leading a profitable, well-controlled manufacturing operation aligned to organisational governance and financial frameworks
- Driving operational excellence, stability and performance across production and service delivery
- Strengthening leadership capability and embedding accountability across the site
- Maintaining momentum on product development and commercial improvement
- Championing inclusive growth, employee engagement and ethical values
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall direction, strategy and performance of the business, ensuring delivery of agreed business plans and objectives
- Provide strong day-to-day operational leadership, improving efficiency, output, quality and OTIF performance
- Hold full P&L responsibility, ensuring robust financial control, forecasting and reporting
- Drive commercial performance through effective pricing, customer segmentation and product strategy
- Oversee compliance with health & safety, sustainability, accreditation and regulatory requirements (including ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001)
- Represent the business internally and externally with key stakeholders, customers, suppliers and partners
- Lead, develop and challenge the senior leadership team, addressing performance issues and building leadership capability
- Foster a collaborative, pragmatic and values-led culture, aligned to ethical principles and inclusive employment practices
About You
You will be a seasoned interim leader with significant experience operating at Managing Director or equivalent level within manufacturing, ideally with sector-specific expertise.
Essential experience includes:
- Strong operational leadership across complex, end-to-end manufacturing environments
- A proven track record of improving productivity, efficiency and operational performance
- Strong commercial and financial acumen with full P&L responsibility
- Experience of product strategy and manufacturing-led product development
- A grounded, credible and transparent leadership style, able to engage at all levels
- A pragmatic, resourceful and hands-on approach, comfortable driving change at pace
- A degree-level background in engineering, or equivalent senior manufacturing-based business experience, is expected.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Interim Managing Director in Birmingham employer: Hays Accounts and Finance
Join a dynamic and growing SME in Bath, where you will find a supportive work culture that encourages professional development and offers flexible working options. With 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, a health scheme, and a cycle to work initiative, this company prioritises employee well-being while providing ample opportunities for career advancement in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Managing Director in Birmingham
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Hays Accounts and Finance, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Managing Director in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Hays Accounts and Finance specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accounts and Finance
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Hays Accounts and Finance, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Hays Accounts and Finance value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
