Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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: Opportunity to make a real impact and shape the future of the business.
- Why this job: Be hands-on in operations while leading a dynamic team towards sustainable performance.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in manufacturing and strong operational knowledge required.
- Other info: UK-based role with regular on-site presence and opportunities for international collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ 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 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
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
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 employer: Headturner Search
Contact Detail:
Headturner Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨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 visible and approachable! During interviews or networking, demonstrate your leadership style by being open and engaging. Show them that you lead from the front and build trust through credibility.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
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 and any operational improvements you've driven. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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 hands-on leadership role. Share your passion for operational excellence and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on measurable results. Did you improve productivity or reduce costs? We love numbers! Show us how your contributions have made a tangible impact in previous roles.
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 us you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headturner Search
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
As a Managing Director, you’ll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of both operational and commercial aspects. Brush up on the company’s production processes and be ready to discuss how you can enhance efficiency and quality. Show them you’re not just a figurehead but someone who understands the nitty-gritty of the shop floor.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on leader who leads by example. Prepare examples from your past where you’ve built trust and credibility within your team. Be ready to talk about how you’ve made tough decisions and how you balance operational detail with long-term strategy.
✨Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives
The company is looking for someone who enjoys improving processes daily. Come prepared with specific examples of how you’ve driven operational improvements in previous roles. Discuss measurable results and how you turned challenges into opportunities for growth.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Since this role involves supporting sales both domestically and internationally, do your homework on the market trends affecting the manufacturing sector. Be ready to discuss how you would strengthen the sales function and identify new opportunities for the business.
