Managing Director

Managing Director | Primetake | Lincolnshire

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.