At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a successful manufacturing business and shape its future direction.
- Company: Respected British manufacturing firm with a strong reputation in defence and aviation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, relocation support, and the chance to drive innovation.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career growth and engagement with key stakeholders.
- Why this job: Join a thriving company at a pivotal stage and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Strong engineering background and experience in complex manufacturing leadership.
The predicted salary is between 69750 - 85250 £ per year.
Hays has been exclusively retained to appoint the next Managing Director of Primetake following the planned retirement of the current incumbent in 2027. This is a rare succession opportunity within a highly successful specialist manufacturing business serving defence, military, aviation and other demanding global markets. The business is performing strongly. It has a talented leadership team, a reputation built on technical excellence and quality, and an ambitious strategy for future growth.
As an employee-owned business, Primetake benefits from a culture of shared success, long-term thinking and strong engagement across the organisation. This is not a turnaround; it's an opportunity to take an already successful organisation and help shape what comes next. Primetake combines engineering expertise, manufacturing excellence and a culture of continuous improvement. Operating within a highly regulated and high-hazard manufacturing environment, the business places a strong emphasis on safety, governance, compliance and risk management.
Having delivered significant growth in recent years, the business continues to invest heavily in innovation, product development, capability enhancement and operational excellence. Supported by a strong leadership team and clear long-term strategy, Primetake is exceptionally well positioned to capitalise on substantial opportunities across existing and emerging markets.
The Board is seeking a Managing Director with the technical and operational credibility to lead a complex manufacturing organisation, coupled with the commercial acumen required to drive sustainable growth and business performance. You'll likely have built your career within manufacturing, engineering, defence or another technically demanding environment before progressing into broader leadership roles. You'll be equally comfortable discussing operational performance and engineering challenges as you are commercial strategy, profit improvement, market development and customer relationships.
Working closely with the CEO and Board, you'll assume responsibility for the overall direction, performance and continued development of the business. This will include leadership of operational, technical and commercial functions alongside full accountability for business performance, strategic delivery and P&L results. Equally important is the ability to lead in a collaborative, people-focused manner and build upon the culture that has underpinned their success.
We're interested in speaking with individuals who can demonstrate:
- A strong engineering, technical or operational background within manufacturing
- Experience leading complex manufacturing businesses and multidisciplinary teams
- Experience operating within highly regulated, high-hazard or compliance-driven manufacturing environments
- Full P&L responsibility and a proven track record of delivering sustainable, profitable growth
- Strong commercial acumen with experience developing customer relationships, winning business and identifying new market opportunities
- Experience driving innovation, continuous improvement and organisational development
- The ability to balance strategic leadership with practical decision-making
- Experience developing high-performing teams and strong organisational cultures
- Executive-level leadership experience within defence, engineering, specialist manufacturing or similarly technical sectors
- The credibility to engage effectively with customers, suppliers, shareholders, Board members and other key stakeholders
For the right individual, this is an opportunity to lead a respected British manufacturing business at a pivotal stage in its evolution. You will inherit a successful organisation with strong foundations, ambitious growth plans, significant ongoing investment in innovation and product development, and a genuine opportunity to shape the future direction of the business for years to come. Relocation support will be offered where required.
For a confidential discussion or to request further information regarding this exclusive retained assignment, please contact Will Taylor at Hays in Lincoln.
Locations
Managing Director in Lincolnshire, Reepham employer: Primetake Ltd
Primetake is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead a successful employee-owned manufacturing business in Lincolnshire. With a strong emphasis on safety, innovation, and continuous improvement, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters shared success and long-term growth. The company is committed to investing in its people, providing ample opportunities for professional development and engagement in shaping the future of the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director in Lincolnshire, Reepham
✨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 Primetake Ltd, 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 Managing Director in Lincolnshire, Reepham
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 Primetake Ltd 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 Primetake Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Primetake Ltd, 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 Primetake Ltd 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.
