Managing Director

Grichan Whitestone Partnership; Southampton; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Grichan Whitestone Partnership is seeking a Managing Director Designate to lead a growing technical facilities management and engineering services business in the UK. Reporting to the senior leadership team, you will oversee service delivery, commercial performance and client relationships, preparing to take full responsibility for growth and operational excellence.

Candidates must have proven ability to engage senior stakeholders, steer large teams and foster a performance-driven culture.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large operational teams within facilities management, technical services, engineering services or related outsourced environments.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience managing significant P&L responsibilities.
• Executive-level communication and stakeholder engagement with senior leadership teams.
• Experience driving growth, operational performance and client retention.
• Change leadership and building high-performing teams in complex service models.

Responsibilities

• Lead service delivery, ensuring operational excellence across a diverse contract portfolio.
• Own strategic development, growth opportunities and client relationships.
• Shape business strategy and collaborate with leadership to drive performance.
• Influence senior stakeholders and deliver sustainable business results.
• Mentor and develop leadership teams to build a robust succession pipeline.

Skills

Operational leadership

Commercial acumen

Executive communication

Strategic development

Change leadership

Team development

Public sector familiarity

P&L management

Job description

Managing Director Designate - Technical Facilities Management

Are you an accomplished operational leader with the commercial acumen, leadership presence and strategic capability to progress into a Managing Director position?

We are seeking an exceptional Managing Director Designate to join a successful and growing technical facilities management and engineering services business. This is a genuine succession opportunity, offering the chance to work alongside the existing leadership team before taking full responsibility for driving future growth, operational excellence and client success.

This is an opportunity for an individual who combines strong operational leadership with the gravitas to engage senior stakeholders, inspire large teams and deliver sustainable business performance.

The Role

Reporting directly to the senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in leading a substantial operational business, overseeing service delivery, commercial performance, client relationships and strategic development across a diverse contract portfolio.

You will work closely with key stakeholders to shape business strategy, identify growth opportunities and ensure the continued delivery of exceptional service standards.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience leading large operational teams within Facilities Management, Technical Services, Engineering Services or a related outsourced services environment.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen with experience managing significant P&L responsibilities.
• Demonstrable success in driving business growth, operational performance and client retention.
• Executive-level communication skills with the gravitas to influence customers, stakeholders and senior leadership teams.
• Experience leading change, developing high-performing teams and creating a positive performance culture.
• Strong understanding of public sector environments and complex service delivery models.

Sector Experience Required

Candidates should have experience operating within at least one of the following sectors:

• Local Authority
• Central Government
• Blue Light Services
• Education

Location

Candidates must be willing to spend a minimum of three days per week in Hampshire, working closely with the leadership team and supporting key business initiatives.

Why Apply?

This is a rare opportunity to join a successful organisation at a pivotal stage of its growth journey, with a clear pathway to a future Managing Director position. You will have the opportunity to shape strategy, influence business direction and lead a significant organisation known for operational excellence and customer delivery.

If you are a commercially driven leader with strong operational credentials and the ambition to step into a Managing Director role, we would be delighted to hear from you.