At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic communications coaching company through its next growth phase with strategic vision.
- Company: Fast-growing communications coaching business focused on human connection and impactful communication.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and a hybrid work environment in London.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven organisation dedicated to fostering clarity and confidence in communication.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how people communicate while leading a values-driven team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in growth-focused roles, ideally in coaching or HR tech.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Our client is a fast-growing communications coaching business with a highly successful dual model: a well-established consumer division, helping individuals become better, more confident presenters and speakers, and a rapidly expanding business-to-business arm serving an impressive list of household names. With an empathetic, human-centred approach, the company helps individuals and organisations communicate with clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence. Their work spans public speaking, leadership communication, storytelling, and high-impact client engagement.
The B2B division, although still young, has already partnered with leading global brands across consumer goods, technology, retail, hospitality and professional services. With ongoing conversations across multiple blue-chip organisations, the opportunity for strategic expansion is significant.
As the business enters its next phase of growth, the Founder is now seeking an exceptional Managing Director to take operational and commercial ownership of the company - a true people leader to guide the business with integrity, kindness, and humility. This is a critical moment for a calm, values-led and commercially mature MD to act as the organisation’s “centre of gravity” and allow the founder to focus on overall strategy and creative direction. This is a unique opportunity to join a genuinely values and purpose-driven organisation dedicated to human connection, impact and meaningful communication.
The role:
- Building on the company’s strong foundations, you will take full operational and commercial ownership of the business, ensuring stability, clarity, and momentum during a period of accelerated growth.
- Provide steady, emotionally intelligent leadership that protects and strengthens the company’s human-centred culture across a diverse team of permanent staff and associate coaches, both remote and on site.
- Drive commercial performance and scale the B2B division, including go-to-market strategy, profitability, and long-term planning.
- Introduce systems, processes, and structures that enable the business to scale sustainably.
- Build and develop the sales function, implementing a robust sales methodology (HubSpot, MEDDIC or similar).
- Lead client acquisition and deepen strategic client relationships with warmth, clarity, and integrity.
- Establish commercial rigour across forecasting, pricing, margin management, contracts, and risk.
- Ensure psychological safety and high performance across the organisation through values-aligned leadership.
- Take responsibility for the entire business, anticipating needs, making decisions early, and creating pace and clarity.
- Champion the company’s mission, voice, and ethos in all internal and external interactions.
Skills and experience required:
- Proven leadership experience within small or founder-led organisations, ideally during periods of growth or transformation.
- Strong commercial and sales leadership background (ideally at MD, SD, COO, or equivalent senior level).
- Experience within learning and development, HR tech, people development, coaching, or broader human capital industries.
- Deep understanding of enterprise sales cycles, complex stakeholder management, and long-cycle commercial relationships.
- High emotional intelligence, with the ability to lead with calm authority, kindness, and values-driven decision-making.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the maturity to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
- Gravitas, steadiness, and cultural sensitivity, able to build and inspire diverse in-house and remote teams across multiple functions by fostering accountability and enabling an environment of psychological safety.
This is an outstanding opportunity for a values-aligned, commercially confident, and emotionally intelligent leader to guide a mission-driven business into its next chapter of growth. The role offers the chance to make a profound impact on a company whose work genuinely changes how people communicate and connect. If you combine strategic leadership with human-centred commercial insight, we’d love to hear from you.
This is a Hybrid role with the whole team coming together for two days a week in London. There is a competitive salary on offer for the right candidate which will include equity.
Managing Director – Expanding Communications Coaching Company – £competitive plus equity – London (Hybrid) employer: Portman Scott
Join a dynamic and purpose-driven communications coaching company that prioritises human connection and emotional intelligence in its work culture. With a strong focus on employee growth, this expanding organisation offers unique opportunities for leadership development and strategic impact, all while fostering a supportive environment that values integrity and kindness. Located in London, the hybrid work model allows for flexibility while collaborating with a diverse team dedicated to transforming how individuals and businesses communicate effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director – Expanding Communications Coaching Company – £competitive plus equity – London (Hybrid)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your leadership style and how you can drive growth in a human-centred way. Use examples from your past experiences to showcase your emotional intelligence and strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in leaving a positive impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director – Expanding Communications Coaching Company – £competitive plus equity – London (Hybrid)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Style:When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've led teams with empathy and integrity, especially in fast-paced environments. Share specific examples that showcase your ability to inspire and guide others.
Be Commercially Savvy:Since this role is all about driving commercial performance, don’t shy away from discussing your sales leadership background. We’re looking for insights into your strategic thinking and hands-on execution in previous roles. Make it clear how you can contribute to our growth!
Emphasise Human-Centred Values:Our company thrives on a human-centred approach, so reflect that in your application. Talk about how you’ve fostered psychological safety and high performance in your past roles. We want to know how you align with our mission of meaningful communication.
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 your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portman Scott
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. Understanding their human-centred approach and how they help individuals and organisations communicate effectively will show your genuine interest and alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Managing Director, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership philosophy. Prepare examples of how you've led teams with emotional intelligence and integrity, especially during periods of growth or transformation. This will resonate well with their focus on values-driven decision-making.
✨Prepare for Commercial Discussions
Brush up on your knowledge of enterprise sales cycles and complex stakeholder management. Be ready to discuss your experience in driving commercial performance and scaling businesses, particularly in the B2B space. Highlight any successful go-to-market strategies you've implemented in the past.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
The company values a strong, empathetic culture. During the interview, share how you've fostered psychological safety and accountability within diverse teams. Discuss your approach to building relationships with warmth and clarity, as this aligns perfectly with their ethos.