Managing Director - Manufacturing - Flow Sensors

The Opportunity

An established international engineering and manufacturing business is seeking an experienced, hands-on Managing Director to take full responsibility for its UK operation.

This is a pivotal leadership appointment for an individual who thrives on being close to the business, understands what drives operational performance and has the credibility to lead from the front.

The business has established global sales and marketing leadership, meaning this role is firmly focused on the successful management and performance of the UK operation. The priority is to ensure the manufacturing facility operates efficiently, departments work cohesively and the business delivers against its operational and financial objectives.

This is an opportunity for an accomplished manufacturing or operations leader to take genuine ownership of a business, influence its future direction and make a tangible difference to its performance.

The Role

Reporting to the US ownership and management team, you will assume overall responsibility for the leadership, management and performance of the UK business.

You will lead the existing management team, bringing clarity, structure, accountability and a strong operational focus across the organisation.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leadership & Management: Lead, motivate and hold department managers accountable, developing a strong, cohesive leadership team with clear objectives and ownership.

• Manufacturing & Operations: Oversee all aspects of manufacturing, production planning, engineering, quality, purchasing, inventory and supply chain.

• Operational Excellence: Drive improvements in productivity, efficiency, cost control, quality and on-time delivery, embedding a culture of continuous improvement.

• Visible Leadership: Maintain a strong presence across the facility, engaging directly with managers and employees, understanding operational challenges and addressing issues at source.

• Financial Performance: Take ownership of budgets, P&L performance, margins, operating costs and the overall financial health of the UK business.

• People & Culture: Strengthen communication, management capability and accountability, creating an environment where people understand expectations and take responsibility for results.

• Governance & Compliance: Ensure the highest standards of health and safety, quality, regulatory compliance and operational discipline.

• Stakeholder Management: Provide clear, consistent reporting to US ownership, highlighting business performance, opportunities, risks and areas requiring attention.

We are interested in proven manufacturing and engineering leaders who have the experience, commercial understanding and operational credibility to take responsibility for an entire business.

You do not necessarily need to be a current Managing Director. We would particularly welcome interest from individuals currently operating as:

• Managing Director

• General Manager

• Operations Director

• Manufacturing Director

• Site Director / Plant Director

You will bring substantial leadership experience within a manufacturing, engineering or technically focused environment, ideally within an SME or a business where leadership requires direct involvement rather than reliance on multiple layers of management.

You will have:

• A strong track record of leading manufacturing or engineering operations.

• Experience managing multiple departments and developing effective management teams.

• A sound understanding of production, engineering, quality and supply chain operations.

• Financial and commercial awareness, including budget management and P&L responsibility.

• A proven ability to improve operational performance, productivity and profitability.

• The confidence to make decisions, tackle difficult issues and drive change.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to report effectively to international stakeholders.

Importantly, this is not a sales-led appointment. While commercial awareness is essential, we are looking for an operationally driven business leader rather than a career sales professional.

Leadership Style

The successful individual will be practical, visible, decisive and accountable.

You will be comfortable walking the factory floor, talking directly with employees, challenging performance and working alongside department managers to resolve problems.

You will recognise the importance of the existing workforce and the knowledge already within the business, while bringing the leadership, structure and discipline needed to improve performance.

This is not a role for someone who prefers to manage from a distance. It requires a leader who takes ownership, sets standards and leads by example.