Managing Director

Novo Executive Search; City Of London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in London is seeking a Managing Director to drive growth and strategic direction. The role calls for a proven leader with extensive experience in high-end refurbishment and fit-out projects, ensuring operational excellence and maintaining client relationships. The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of premium quality craftsmanship and technical delivery, alongside a strong commercial acumen. A competitive executive package, including equity, is offered.

Benefits

Competitive executive remuneration package

Equity participation

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience within high‑end or luxury construction, fit out or refurbishment.
• Strong track record delivering complex, design‑led projects in the London market.
• Deep understanding of premium build quality and technical delivery.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform overall management of the business.
• Set and deliver strategic and financial objectives.
• Ensure exceptional project delivery and quality control.
• Lead senior teams across Construction and Commercial.
• Maintain relationships with high‑value clients.
• Drive new work acquisition and oversee tender processes.

Skills

Leadership in high-end construction

Project delivery and quality control

Commercial acumen

Client relationship management

Hands-on approach

Job description

THE COMPANY

Our client is a market-leading high‑end construction and fit‑out contractor based in Central London, with over 40 years’ experience delivering exceptional projects across the prime residential, retail, commercial, hospitality and arts sectors.

The business has an outstanding reputation for completing prestigious, technically complex projects in some of London’s most challenging locations. Clients are design‑led and exacting, seeking to push boundaries and deliver bespoke, architecturally ambitious buildings and interiors of the highest quality.

The Company operates on a build‑only basis, delivering predominantly high‑end refurbishment projects, often involving significant structural complexity including basements, façade retention and extensive temporary works. Projects are typically delivered at £2,000‑£4,000 per sq. ft, reflecting the level of detail, precision and technical excellence required.

Renowned for its controlled, professional and detail‑driven approach, the Company’s reputation for quality remains central to its continued success.

THE ROLE – MANAGING DIRECTOR

With the current Managing Director transitioning into a Chairman role, the Company is seeking an accomplished Managing Director to lead the business through its next phase of growth.

This is a high‑profile leadership role requiring a proven construction professional with deep experience in the luxury / high‑end refurbishment and fit‑out market. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for operational performance, strategic direction and commercial outcomes, while protecting and enhancing the Company’s market‑leading reputation.

This role will suit a leader who understands that excellence, detail and control are non‑negotiable at the very top end of the market.

A highly competitive executive remuneration package, including equity participation, is available.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Overall leadership and performance of the business
• Setting and delivering the Company’s strategic and financial objectives
• Ensuring consistently exceptional project delivery, quality and risk control
• Leading senior teams across Construction, Commercial and Pre‑Construction
• Securing and maintaining relationships with high‑value, design‑led clients
• Driving new work acquisition and overseeing tender and negotiation processes
• Maintaining rigorous standards across Health & Safety, quality and compliance

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Proven senior leadership experience within high‑end or luxury construction, fit out or refurbishment
• A strong track record delivering complex, design‑led projects in the London market or other logistically demanding locations
• Deep understanding of premium build quality, craftsmanship and technical delivery
• Commercially astute, with the ability to manage risk, margins and client expectations
• Credible, decisive leader with the gravitas to operate at Board and client level
• Hands‑on when required, with a clear focus on detail, control and outcomes