Managing Director

Executive Recruit; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established commercial interior design firm in Bristol is seeking a Managing Director to lead its growth journey. This pivotal role requires strategic vision and proven leadership in the sector to enhance operational efficiencies and prepare for a lucrative exit. The successful candidate will drive innovation, improve profitability, and foster talent in a high-performing team, aiming for substantial returns through strategic market positioning.

Benefits

Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

Qualifications

• Proven experience in business growth and operational improvement.
• Financially literate with P&L, EBITDA, and cash flow management.
• Experience preparing business for sale or IPO.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a growth strategy to scale the business.
• Oversee financial performance, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing leadership team.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Commercial Acumen

Negotiation Skills

Education

Proven MD, CEO, or senior leadership experience

Job description

Managing Director

Location: Bristol

Sector: Commercial Interior Design

About the Opportunity

Our client, a well-established and ambitious commercial interior design business based in Bristol, is seeking an exceptional Managing Director to lead the company through its next phase of growth. This is a pivotal role for a strategic, commercially astute leader with a strong background in commercial interior design, who can drive operational excellence, improve efficiencies, and scale the business in preparation for a potential exit (sale or listing) within 4-5 years. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the future of the business, ensuring it achieves strong EBITDA growth and is positioned as an attractive acquisition or IPO candidate. In recognition of this critical leadership role, the package includes a Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) tied to the company’s financial success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a growth strategy to scale the business, including market expansion, service diversification, and potential acquisitions.
• Identify and capitalise on new business opportunities within the commercial interior design sector.
• Strengthen the company’s brand and reputation as a leader in the industry.
• Drive revenue growth while maintaining profitability and strong EBITDA performance.
• Optimise business operations to improve efficiency, productivity, and cost control.
• Implement best practices in project management, resource allocation, and workflow processes.
• Oversee financial performance, budgeting, and forecasting to ensure sustainable growth.
• Ensure the business operates with scalable systems and processes in preparation for exit.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing leadership team and wider workforce.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and client-centric delivery.
• Attract and retain top talent to support business expansion.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with key clients, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Represent the business at industry events, networking opportunities, and with potential investors.
• Work closely with shareholders and the board to align business strategy with long-term exit objectives.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven MD, CEO, or senior leadership experience within the commercial interior design sector.
• Strong track record of business growth, operational improvement, and profitability.
• Experience preparing a business for sale, private equity investment, or IPO.
• Financially literate with experience managing P&L, EBITDA, and cash flow.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire teams and drive cultural change.
• Strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Bristol (hybrid working may be considered).

This is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving business with a clear path to a lucrative exit. If you have the strategic vision, industry expertise, and drive to deliver exceptional growth, we would welcome your application.

Executive Recruit is a boutique executive search firm specialising in helping organisations source and attract top-tier leadership talent. With a tailored approach, we partner with businesses to identify high-calibre executives who drive growth and transformation. Our expertise ensures clients find the right blend of experience and acumen to strengthen leadership and board effectiveness.

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