At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead ambitious growth and drive sales in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Established UK manufacturer known for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share, company car, and equity participation potential.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence multiple businesses and enjoy real autonomy.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business and make a lasting impact.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in sales-driven growth and leadership experience.
Location: Chesterfield, UK | Full-Time | Executive Leadership
Salary: £150,000 - £200,000 per annum depending on experience + bonus + LTIPs + car and more
Lead the next phase of ambitious growth in a dynamic, entrepreneurial family business. An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a commercially driven, sales-led Managing Director to lead a highly respected UK manufacturer and supplier of door controls and hardware into its next phase of expansion. With current revenues of £22.5m and £4.3m EBITDA, and a clear strategic roadmap to reach £55m by 2030, the business is entering a pivotal stage of its journey. Backed by an ambitious ownership group and strengthened through recent acquisition activity, the organisation is poised for accelerated growth across product innovation, market expansion, and M&A.
This is not a traditional MD role. It is a mandate to drive growth, shape strategy, and build a high-performing commercial engine capable of scaling a multi-entity group.
The Opportunity
As Managing Director, you will take full ownership of the growth agenda—leading from the front to deliver sustained revenue expansion and increased profitability. Reporting directly to the Board, you will operate at the heart of an entrepreneurial, fast-moving environment where pace, accountability, and results matter.
You will:
- Drive sales-led growth across UK and international markets
- Shape and evolve the product portfolio to maximise market competitiveness and margin
- Lead and execute acquisitions, from sourcing through to integration
- Build and inspire a high-performance leadership and sales team
- Position the business for long-term scale and value creation
Strategic Focus Areas
Product Leadership
Own and evolve a commercially aligned product strategy, ensuring the portfolio is optimised for market demand, differentiation, and pricing power. Work closely with engineering and manufacturing to accelerate innovation and range expansion.
Market Expansion
Lead a proactive commercial strategy to grow share in existing markets while unlocking new geographies and sectors. Build robust sales structures, develop key partnerships, and personally influence major customer relationships.
M&A and Integration
Take full ownership of the acquisition agenda—identifying, evaluating, negotiating, and integrating target businesses that accelerate growth and strengthen the group offering.
What Success Looks Like
- Clear trajectory from £22.5m to £55m revenue by 2030
- Expansion into new markets and geographies
- A strengthened, market-leading product portfolio
- Successful completion and integration of acquisitions
- A scalable, high-performing commercial and leadership structure
Requirements
The Candidate
You are a hands-on, commercially astute leader with a proven track record of delivering sales-driven growth in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
You will bring:
- Experience as a Managing Director, CEO, or senior commercial leader ready to step up
- A demonstrable history of personally driving revenue growth—not just overseeing it
- Background in businesses of similar scale (£15m-£50m+)
- Exposure to M&A activity, including integration
- The credibility and presence to operate closely with ownership and represent the business externally
- Experience in building products, construction-related sectors, or international expansion will be advantageous.
Benefits
Package & Benefits
- Salary: £150,000 - £200,000 depending on experience
- Profit share bonus scheme
- Long-term incentive plans (LTIPs)
- Company car or car allowance
Why Join?
- Entrepreneurial environment with real autonomy and influence
- Clear growth trajectory backed by defined strategic pillars
- Opportunity to shape a group of businesses, not just a single entity
- Equity participation potential for the right individual
- A chance to leave a lasting mark on a scaling UK manufacturing success story
About the Business
The company is a well-established UK manufacturer and supplier of door controls and hardware, known for quality, innovation, and strong customer relationships. With a growing group structure and ambitious leadership, it is building a platform for long-term, sustainable expansion across multiple markets and sectors.
If you are a growth-focused leader ready to take ownership of an ambitious scale-up journey, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
Managing Director in Chesterfield employer: Universal Business Team
Universal Business Team is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees. Located in Barnton, England, the company offers a vibrant work culture with comprehensive training and clear advancement paths, making it an ideal place for recent graduates to kickstart their careers. With competitive salaries and uncapped bonuses, employees are rewarded for their hard work while being supported in their professional journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director in Chesterfield
✨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 Universal Business Team, 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 Chesterfield
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 Universal Business Team 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 Universal Business Team
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Universal Business Team, 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 Universal Business Team 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.
