At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a UK manufacturing SME, driving operational excellence and commercial success.
- Company: Established manufacturing company with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and the chance to shape the future.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing business while being close to operations.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in manufacturing and strong operational knowledge.
- Other info: Opportunity for visible leadership and career development in a dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are supporting the appointment of a Managing Director to lead a well-established UK manufacturing SME into its next phase of development. This is a senior, hands-on leadership role combining operational excellence with strong commercial drive.
The role will suit a Managing Director (or senior operational/commercial leader ready to step up) who is genuinely comfortable being close to production, visible on the shop floor, and actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business, while also setting clear direction and driving sustainable performance improvement.
The role
Reporting to the Board, the Managing Director will have full responsibility for the performance, profitability and long-term development of the business. You will lead across production, sales, engineering and support functions, translating strategy into practical actions, clear priorities and measurable results.
Key elements of the role include:
- Overall accountability for operational and commercial performance
- Ensuring safe, efficient and high-quality manufacturing operations
- Driving continuous improvement in productivity, cost, quality and delivery
- Maintaining close involvement in day-to-day operations where required
- Leading and developing a multi-disciplinary team across the organisation
- Supporting and strengthening the sales function, both domestically and internationally
- Identifying improvement opportunities and turning them into practical, owned actions
- Representing the business with customers, partners and key stakeholders
- Working closely with international group colleagues to drive alignment and synergy
Leadership style
This is a hands-on SME leadership role, suited to someone who:
- Leads from the front and by example
- Is pragmatic, grounded and approachable in style
- Builds trust through credibility rather than hierarchy
- Is decisive, resilient and comfortable making tough calls
- Enjoys improving how things work, every day
- Balances operational detail with longer-term direction
Background & experience
- Senior leadership experience within a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Strong understanding of production/operations and commercial drivers
- Proven experience of driving operational improvements and performance development
- Comfortable operating in an SME setting with broad accountability
- Experience working with international colleagues or group structures is advantageous
Location
The role is UK-based with an expectation of regular on-site presence (typically five days per week) and some travel as required. This is an opportunity for a commercially minded, production-focused leader to make a visible and lasting impact in a growing manufacturing business.
If you want a proper MD role — close to the operation, with real accountability and the opportunity to shape the future — we’d be keen to speak confidentially.
Managing Director in Bromsgrove employer: Headturner Search
Contact Detail:
Headturner Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director in Bromsgrove
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Managing Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your hands-on experience! When chatting with potential employers, highlight your operational excellence and how you've driven performance improvements in previous roles. They want to see that you're comfortable on the shop floor.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for tough questions! Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've made tough calls in the past. This role requires decisiveness, so show them you can handle the heat.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company. Don’t miss out!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director in Bromsgrove
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, highlight your leadership style and how it fits with our hands-on approach. We’re keen on candidates who lead by example and can demonstrate their ability to build trust and credibility.
Be Specific About Your Experience: When detailing your background, be specific about your senior leadership experience in manufacturing or industrial environments. We love seeing concrete examples of how you've driven operational improvements and performance development.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Headturner Search
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research the company’s history, values, and recent developments. Understand their manufacturing processes and any challenges they face in the industry. 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 Managing Director, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in operational settings. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you build trust and credibility within your team, as this aligns with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect questions about how you've tackled operational challenges or driven improvements in previous roles. Prepare concrete examples that illustrate your ability to identify issues, implement solutions, and achieve measurable results. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the business towards sustainable performance improvement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about their current strategic initiatives or how they measure success in the role. This shows that you’re not just interested in the position but are also thinking about how you can contribute to their long-term goals.