Managing Director

MarineGuard Systems Limited; Southampton; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

MarineGuard Systems Limited is seeking a Managing Director to lead its growth into new markets from its Southampton headquarters. The ideal candidate will possess a unique ability to merge strategic leadership with operational excellence while driving a culture of performance and accountability. This role offers an opportunity to influence change and shape the company’s future in a challenging sector.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

Life insurance policy

Income Protection policy

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record in driving results in commercial or operational environments.
• Hands-on leadership capable of strategy and execution.
• Experience in building strong teams and a positive culture.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute strategies for growth and innovation.
• Oversee end-to-end operations and drive efficiency.
• Establish external relationships to unlock new business opportunities.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Operational Excellence

Commercial Acumen

Communications

Job description

Location: Southampton, Full-time in office

Reports to: Founder and CEO

Marine Guard

Founded in 1998, Marine Guard has grown organically to establish itself as a market leader in the design, manufacture and installation of security solutions for offshore asset protection, commercial shipping and superyachts. Headquartered in Southampton, the business recently opened a new office and innovation centre where the leadership and R&D teams are continually working to meet the ever-changing demands of the industry. As a mature business, with unrivalled experience in the superyacht sector, the next phase of growth requires a strong leader to drive diversification into new markets. Marine Guard is part of the Ashenwood Holdings Group, headed up by CEO and Founder Richard Webb, and sits alongside 2 growing businesses both deploying similar technology to different use cases.

Role Overview

We are looking for a driven and commercially-minded leader to step into the role of Managing Director. This is a unique opportunity to take the reins of an established business and lead it into its next phase of growth and evolution.

You’ll bring a renewed sense of pace and ambition to the team, unlock new market opportunities, and help shape a positive, accountable culture. You don't need to have held a Managing Director title before — you might be an experienced Head of Operations, Commercial Director, or similar leader ready to step up into full P&L ownership. This is a pivotal leadership role with real influence — an opportunity to shape strategy, lead a capable team, and deliver long-term value.

The right candidate will be able to think fast and be confident, have the energy to tackle and overcome technical challenges in real time whilst spearheading a forward movement towards more streamline processes and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Shape and execute a clear, ambitious strategy for growth and innovation
• Identify new market opportunities, partnerships, and revenue channels
• Report performance, risks, and growth updates to the CEO
• Manage full P&L and own key performance metrics
• Drive improvements in margin, cost control, and operational efficiency to achieve financial targets
• Set clear priorities, KPIs, and rhythms for accountability for the team
• Build and maintain a culture of ownership, learning, and performance
• Inspire cultural alignment across the organisation

Operational Excellence

• Oversee end-to-end business operations across product, marketing, sales, and customer experience
• Implement processes and systems for scalable growth

External Relationships

• Represent the business with key external partners, investors, and stakeholders
• Build strategic relationships across the industry to unlock growth
• Be open to some international travel involving visiting existing projects, new clients and trade shows

About You

You are likely to be:

• An experienced operator with a track record of driving results in a commercial, technical, or operational environment
• Energised by a challenge and motivated by turning potential into performance
• A hands-on leader who can switch between strategy and execution
• Commercially astute with a good grasp of financials and levers for growth
• Clear and confident communicator, able to lead through influence and example
• Someone who thrives on building strong teams and great culture

You may have experience as:

• Operations Director / General Manager / Commercial Director / COO — and now ready to step into a full leadership role

Bonus / Preferred Experience

• Sector experience in the Oil and Gas industry, Renewables, or the Public Sector.
• Experience in leading transformation programs, EBITDA improvement, and change management.
• Competitive salary + performance-based bonus
• Life insurance policy
• Income Protection policy
• Access to cycle to work scheme
• Lead a respected business with real heritage and untapped potential
• Shape the future of the company in a high-trust, high-autonomy role
• Work alongside a committed team and supportive board
• Be part of an industry with global relevance and long-term need

Our process:

• To apply, please send your CV and Cover Letter to [e-mail]. Please use the following format in the email title, “MD Role Application - First Name, Last Name”.The deadline for applications is the 14th of July.
• Screening interview led by our external hiring consultant.
• First round interview led by the Managing Director of EPIC, our sister company, Bertie Swayne.
• Short assessment task to assess your fit for the role.
• Final interview with the Founder and CEO of Ashenwood Group, Richard Webb.

We want to create an inclusive environment that celebrates the diversity of our people whilst enabling them to do the best work of their careers. We are committed to ensuring that all our people processes are equitable. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, veteran, neurodiversity status or disability status.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Business Development and Sales

• Industries

  Security and Investigations

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