Managing Director

Overview

EMBS Talent has been instructed, on an exclusive basis, to secure a commercially astute and driven Managing Director to lead a precision machining business based across two UK sites, one situated in the North East and one in Gloucestershire. Our client is part of a wider Group, providing strong financial backing and credibility across the market.

This is a pivotal leadership role, offering the opportunity to drive significant business transformation, recover and grow turnover in excess of £10m and beyond, and embed a high-performance culture across a skilled engineering workforce of approximately 50 people. 

Our client is actively transitioning its customer base from oil and gas into defence, aerospace, and automotive, meaning you’ll be joining the business at an exciting and crucial time in their journey. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the business turnover, then drive further growth across target sectors including defence, aerospace, and automotive.

• Oversee organisational right-sizing and design, ensuring efficient use of resources, headcount, and overhead spend.

• Drive sales extension and key account development - deepening existing customer relationships and identifying opportunities to expand the range of services offered.

• Manage cash effectively, including accounts receivable optimisation, inventory control, SLOB reduction, and capital expenditure planning within bank-funded constraints.

• Improve operational performance through OEE, OTIF, and quality metrics, embedding a continuous improvement culture across the business.

• Develop and manage accurate costing models covering raw materials, labour efficiency, and margin improvement to ensure competitive and profitable pricing.

• Connect complementary capabilities and identify shared efficiencies where appropriate, across both sites.

• Report regularly to Group on business performance, financial position, risks, and strategic progress, maintaining full alignment with Group objectives.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• Proven experience leading or managing a machining, precision engineering, or closely related manufacturing business at a senior level.

• Strong commercial acumen with a demonstrable track record of driving revenue growth and margin improvement within an SME environment.

• Confident customer-facing individual, experienced in building and sustaining key account relationships at a senior level.

• Solid understanding of operational management including production planning, labour utilisation, and cost control.

• Financially literate, with hands-on experience managing P&L, capex spend, bank funding, and working capital in a cash-conscious environment.

• Willing and able to travel between the North East and South West, including occasional overnight stays.

• Strong leadership capability with the ability to drive culture change, right-size an organisation, and motivate teams through a period of transition.

Desirable

• Background in defence, aerospace, or automotive supply chains.

• Experience managing a business through sector transition or organisational restructure.

• Familiarity with low to medium-volume and automated machining environments.

• Exposure to shared service structures and group-level reporting frameworks.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary depending on experience - Circa £100,000 p.a + benefits

• Car allowance and performance-related bonus following a six-month qualifying period.

• Company pension and healthcare benefits.

• The opportunity to lead a business through a commercially rewarding and strategically significant growth phase.

• Backing and support of an established engineering group with complementary assets and capabilities.

If you believe you meet the criteria outlined and are interested in this opportunity, please apply today.

Please note: All candidates must be UK residents. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for overseas applicants.