Managing Director

Theo James Recruitment; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing fabrication and engineering SME seeks a Managing Director to lead its strategic direction and operational performance. The role involves overseeing a talented team, driving commercial growth, and managing P&L accountability. Ideal candidates will have proven senior leadership experience in manufacturing and possess excellent commercial acumen. This opportunity offers the chance to make a significant impact in a well-established business poised for growth.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Company Car/Car Allowance

Performance-related Bonus Structure

Life Insurance (Death in Service) & Income Protection

Dental & Optical Coverage

32 Days Holiday (Including Statutory Holidays)

Bank Holiday & Christmas Shutdown

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven success in a senior leadership or Managing Director role within manufacturing, fabrication, or engineering.
• Demonstrable track record of winning and growing business.
• Experienced in financial reporting and profitability targets.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for performance, strategic direction, and long-term success of the business.
• Lead a talented management team and ensure seamless coordination of operations.
• Develop and execute the business strategy while driving profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

P&L management

Team development

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Job description

Job Title

Managing Director

Location

Newcastle

Salary

Depending on Experience

Benefits

• Private Medical Insurance
• Company Car/Car Allowance
• Performance-related Bonus Structure
• Life Insurance (Death in Service) & Income Protection
• Dental & Optical Coverage
• 32 Days Holiday (Including Statutory Holidays)
• Bank Holiday & Christmas Shutdown
• Cycle to Work Scheme

The Company

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing fabrication and engineering SME, part of a well-established industrial group with a long heritage in high-quality steel fabrication and manufacturing. Backed by a larger group with significant investment and a clear appetite for success, the business is entering an exciting phase of growth — modernising its operations, expanding its market presence, and strengthening its leadership position in engineered solutions. This role requires a leader with strong commercial drive and a proven history of success, capable of winning new business and acting as the leading face of the organisation. You'll inherit a solid and experienced leadership structure, so your focus will be on maximising the existing talent, enhancing product capability, and unlocking new sales streams to truly make this business fly.

The company delivers bespoke fabricated and engineered products to key infrastructure and industrial sectors, recognised for its commitment to quality, reliability, and customer partnership.

Job Description

As Managing Director, you'll take full responsibility for the performance, strategic direction, and long‑term success of the business. Reporting directly to the Group CEO, you'll lead a talented management team and ensure the seamless coordination of production, design, operations, and project delivery functions. You'll be responsible for developing and executing the business strategy, driving profitability, and ensuring the company continues to deliver exceptional value and service to its clients. This position combines strategic oversight with a hands‑on leadership approach and demands a confident, commercially minded professional ready to take ownership and deliver results.

Key Areas of Focus

• Leading and inspiring a multi‑disciplinary senior team to achieve business and operational objectives.
• Driving commercial growth through new business development, customer relationships, and strategic partnerships.
• Managing full P&L accountability, ensuring delivery of annual targets and financial performance.
• Overseeing production, design, and installation to maintain quality, efficiency, and profitability.
• Embedding a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and collaboration.
• Acting as the ambassador for the business, strengthening its market identity and reputation.

Skills & Experience

• Proven success in a senior leadership or Managing Director role within manufacturing, fabrication, or engineering.
• Demonstrable commercial acumen with a track record of winning and growing business.
• Experienced in P&L management, financial reporting, and delivering profitability targets.
• Skilled in leading and developing high‑performing teams across multiple disciplines.
• Excellent communicator and strategic thinker with a practical, results‑driven approach.
• Familiarity with fabricated or engineered product manufacturing is advantageous.
• Confident in stakeholder management and representing a business at senior level.

Why Should You Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape a well‑established SME that has both solid foundations and significant untapped potential. Backed by a supportive group with strong financial standing and ambitious goals, you'll have the freedom and backing to make a tangible impact. If you're a dynamic and commercially driven leader who thrives on challenge, growth, and transformation, this is your chance to take the helm of a business ready to scale and succeed.