Managing Director

Capilaux Aero; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Executive benefits package

Autonomy to shape strategy

Leadership role reporting to Group CEO

Job summary

Capilaux Aero is searching for a commercially driven Managing Director – Design and Engineering to lead a specialist aerospace business from the UK on‑site. You will oversee the commercial function, shape strategy and guide cross‑functional teams including engineering to ensure growth and certification success.

The ideal candidate brings a strong track record in sales, business development and key accounts within aerospace, preferably at an MD or senior director level, and has experience in a

Qualifications

• Essential: experience in a Part 21J Design Organisation.
• Strong commercial background with proven sales, BD or key accounts leadership.
• Experience leading a commercial function and high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the business.
• Lead, mentor and develop the commercial team, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Drive sales growth through business development, strategic account management and customer relationship development.
• Develop and execute the company's commercial strategy.
• Build long‑term relationships with airlines, MROs, leasing companies, OEMs and other aviation customers.
• Lead commercial negotiations for major contracts and long‑term agreements.
• Work closely with engineering and technical teams to ensure commercially successful project delivery.
• Oversee the day‑to‑day running of the business, ensuring collaboration across all departments.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and commercial KPIs to deliver profitable growth.
• Represent the company at customer meetings, industry events and international exhibitions.

Skills

Sales leadership

Business development

Key account management

Strategic leadership

People management

Job description

Managing Director – Design and Engineering

Location: United Kingdom (On-site)

About the Company

Our client is a specialist aerospace engineering organisation providing aircraft interior design, modification and certification services to the global aviation industry. As an established Part 21J Design Organisation, they support airlines, leasing companies, MROs and aircraft owners with aircraft cabin modifications, engineering design and certification programmes.

The business forms part of a larger aviation group, providing the stability, resources and long‑term investment of an established organisation whilst retaining the agility and entrepreneurial culture of a specialist aerospace business.

Due to continued growth, they are seeking a commercially driven Managing Director to lead the business through its next phase of expansion.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Group CEO, this is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced commercial leader to take full responsibility for the strategic direction and day‑to‑day leadership of a growing aerospace business.

The successful candidate will come from a strong commercial background, with extensive experience leading sales, business development or key account management teams. This opportunity is ideally suited to someone currently operating as a Sales Director, Business Development Director, Commercial Director, Head of Sales or an existing Managing Director within the aerospace sector who is looking to lead an established specialist business.

You will oversee the commercial function, develop high‑performing teams, drive sustainable business growth and work closely with the engineering and technical teams to ensure commercial success.

Previous experience within a Part 21J Design Organisation is essential, together with a strong understanding of aircraft design, certification and modification activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for the business.
• Lead, mentor and develop the commercial team, fostering a high‑performance culture.
• Drive sales growth through business development, strategic account management and customer relationship development.
• Develop and execute the company's commercial strategy.
• Build long‑term relationships with airlines, MROs, leasing companies, OEMs and other aviation customers.
• Lead commercial negotiations for major contracts and long‑term agreements.
• Work closely with engineering and technical teams to ensure commercially successful project delivery.
• Oversee the day‑to‑day running of the business, ensuring collaboration across all departments.
• Develop and manage budgets, forecasts and commercial KPIs to deliver profitable growth.
• Represent the company at customer meetings, industry events and international exhibitions.

About You

We are looking for an inspirational commercial leader with a proven ability to lead people and grow a business.

What's on Offer

• The opportunity to lead a respected Part 21J Design Organisation.
• Executive‑level responsibility with direct reporting to the Group CEO.
• The backing, investment and career opportunities of a larger international aviation group.
• Significant autonomy to shape the commercial strategy and future growth of the business.
• Competitive executive salary, performance bonus and executive benefits package.