Managing Director

1492 Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A subcontract manufacturing firm based in Birmingham is seeking a Managing Director to lead top-line growth. The ideal candidate will have a proven growth track record, a people-first leadership style, and experience in marketing engineering services. This is an opportunity to enhance a well-run business with strong autonomy and support.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering top-line growth in subcontract engineering/manufacturing.
• Experience in a board-level position.
• Mechanical engineering background preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drive top-line growth for a profitable subcontract manufacturing business.
• Position the business in front of the right customers.
• Inspire the team and lead to win tenders.

Skills

Leadership

Business Growth

Team Inspiration

Marketing Expertise

Job description

Overview

1492 Ltd, Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

Managing Director

Six-Figure Executive Package

We’re seeking an action oriented Managing Director to drive top-line growth for a profitable subcontract manufacturing business. Operating with the backing of a strong parent group yet enjoying full autonomy, this business is built on solid foundations with a legacy of the current incumbent: a highly efficient, well-invested manufacturing operation; a motivated and experienced team; strong profitability and group support. Growth has plateaued in the last 12–18 months, and we now need an energetic leader who can position the business in front of the right customers, inspire the team, and generate innovative, winning tenders in markets with long lead times and high tooling cost barriers to entry.

Responsibilities

• Drive top-line growth for a profitable subcontract manufacturing business.
• Position the business in front of the right customers and markets.
• Inspire the team and lead from the front to win tenders in markets with long lead times and high tooling cost barriers to entry.

What you’ll bring

• Proven track record of delivering top-line growth in subcontract engineering/manufacturing – essential
• People-first leadership style – able to inspire, support, and lead from the front – essential
• Board-level experience (Managing Director, Sales, Marketing, or Commercial Director, or equivalent) – essential
• Deep understanding of marketing a manufacturing or engineering service to industrial markets – preferred
• Mechanical engineering background – preferred
• Experience across multiple sectors (Construction products, Off-highway, Powergen, Rail, OEM manufacture, Medical, Aerospace) – preferred

Why this role?

This is not a turnaround project. It’s an opportunity to take a well-run, profitable business and make it even stronger. With autonomy, support, and the tools to succeed, you’ll be empowered to optimise, grow, and create something truly special.

About 1492 Search

• We discover great people. Working solely in the manufacturing and engineering industry, we work on retained projects to provide accountability for every hire. We connect candidates and hiring managers, provide in-depth project management plans and advise through up-to-date market research. No two hires are the same, and each project is adapted to your needs. We aim to take the stress out of the hiring process and focus on the job at hand!
• We aim to reply to all applications, successful or not, within 10 working days of applying for the role.
• 1492 Ltd and its clients promote a policy of equal opportunities. Our policy is to treat job applicants and employees the same regardless of age, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion, colour or disability.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management
• Industries: Engineering Services and Manufacturing

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