Managing Director

Nicholas Associates; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company based in Sheffield is seeking a Managing Director to lead their sales operations across the UK and Ireland. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical sales management background, proven experience in team leadership, and first-class interpersonal skills. This role focuses on driving growth, managing client relationships, and optimizing operational processes. A competitive salary package is offered, complemented by a car and bonus options.

Benefits

Company car

Bonus structure

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing a sales team.
• First class communication skills required.
• Full UK driving license is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop the sales team.
• Drive growth across multiple divisions.
• Build and maintain relationships with major clients.

Skills

Technical sales management

Client management

Interpersonal skills

Mentoring

CRM systems proficiency

B2B contract negotiation

Communication skills

Education

Degree in business/commercial or technical field

Job description

Position

Managing Director, Sales Director, Country Manager

Location

Sheffield based, covering the UK and Ireland.

Reporting to

CEO in Germany.

Salary package

70,000 - 90,000 according to experience plus car, bonus etc.

Hybrid

No. This role is based in the Sheffield office if not out with customers.

People Management

Team of 6-7.

Start date

1st June 2026.

The Company

With over 140 years of experience, four international production facilities and approximately 1,000 employees worldwide, Lechler is the leading manufacturer of nozzle and atomisation technology in Europe. Our products are used in a wide variety of industries and applications, including the food and beverage industry, pharmaceutical, chemical and process engineering, metals manufacturing, cement industry and agricultural/horticultural.

Due to the upcoming retirement of the current Managing Director of the UK operation, we now have an opportunity for someone to join the organisation to lead them through the next phase of their growth.

Who will this role be suitable for?

• 70-75% hands‑on sales and business development including client management, relationship management, presentations, identifying new markets, organising and attending trade shows and exhibitions, negotiating and closing sales.
• 20% people management, mentoring, leading, developing, supporting.
• 5-10% corporate functions, representing the UK business, strategic planning.

Duties, Responsibilities and Deliverables

• Lead, coach and develop a motivated Sales Team to deliver ambitious financial and operational goals.
• Drive growth across three divisions: General Industry, Process Technology and Metallurgy through focused market development and key account management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with major clients, acting as a trusted technical and strategic partner.
• Represent Lechler at industry events and trade fairs, enhancing brand visibility.
• Identify new business opportunities and translate them into sustainable revenue streams.
• Collaborate closely with corporate leadership in Germany to align local execution with the group's global strategy.
• Foster a high‑performance culture based on accountability, empowerment and continuous improvement.
• Optimise operational structures and processes to ensure scalability, resilience and customer value.

About you

• Degree qualified is very much preferred, either in a business/commercial related subject or a technical/engineering field.
• Proven success in a technical sales management position with experience of engineered products.
• Growth focused, naturally inquisitive.
• First class interpersonal and communication skills (spoken and written).
• People management experience is essential.
• A natural mentor, happy to lead from the front.
• Proficient with CRM systems and managing sales cycles.
• Commercially aware. Experience of business‑to‑business contract negotiation.
• Based within a reasonable commuting distance of Sheffield but able to travel throughout the UK and Ireland for business as required.
• Able to travel to Germany for corporate events as required.
• Experience of budgeting, managing a P & L, corporate reporting etc is desirable.
• Full UK driving licence is essential.
• A genuine drive to actively contribute to transformation and continuous organisational development.
• An understanding of marketing as part of an overall sales and business development strategy will be required.
• The working language of the business is English.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and are happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.