Managing Director - Construction

Lumen Search; Leinster; On-site; EUR 150,000 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Lumen Search is recruiting a Managing Director in Ireland to lead the next growth phase of an established business with ~50 staff. You will own profitability, strategic expansion, and people development while working with the board to drive high-level governance and client relations.

The role calls for a commercially minded leader with deep experience in construction/manufacturing sectors, capable of shaping strategy, building partnerships, and delivering sustainable long-term growth across

Qualifications

• 15+ years' experience within construction, manufacturing, engineering, or specialist contracting.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership role (MD/Director/GM).
• Track record of leading growth, profitability, and multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term strategic direction and growth plans.
• Oversee multi-functional operations to deliver projects safely, on time, and within budget.
• Lead business development and client relationship management to expand market share.
• Develop and mentor a high-performing senior leadership team and drive a performance culture.
• Ensure governance, risk management, reporting, and compliance across the organisation.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Commercial acumen

Stakeholder management

People development

Governance & risk management

Job description

Package: Executive Package – To Be Discussed Confidentially

Role Overview

An established and growing construction business is seeking an experienced Managing Director to lead the next phase of its growth and development.

With approximately 50 employees and a strong reputation for delivering innovative building solutions across Ireland, the business is well positioned for significant expansion over the coming years. This is a unique opportunity for a commercially minded leader to take full responsibility for business performance, operational excellence, strategic growth, and team development.

Reporting to the Board, the successful candidate will lead all aspects of the business, working closely with senior leadership to drive profitability, strengthen client relationships, expand market share, and deliver sustainable long-term growth.

This role requires a strong balance of commercial leadership, operational delivery, business development, and people management, making it ideally suited to an experienced Managing Director, Operations Director, Commercial Director, Construction Director, or General Manager ready to lead an established business.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the company's long-term business strategy.
• Lead the business through its next phase of sustainable growth.
• Identify new market opportunities, strategic partnerships, and revenue streams.
• Drive continuous improvement across all business functions.
• Take full ownership of business profitability and financial performance.
• Develop annual business plans, budgets, and growth strategies.
• Monitor KPIs, financial reporting, and operational performance.
• Lead commercial negotiations with key clients and stakeholders.
• Ensure strong commercial governance across all projects and operations.

Operational Management

• Oversee all operational activities across manufacturing, project delivery, commercial, and support functions.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on programme, and to the highest quality standards.
• Improve operational processes, systems, and overall business performance.
• Promote collaboration across all departments.

Business Development

• Build and strengthen relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Support the identification and securing of new projects and long-term framework opportunities.
• Represent the business at industry events, client meetings, and strategic forums.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders to position the company for continued growth.

Leadership & People Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing senior leadership team.
• Foster a positive, collaborative, and performance-driven culture.
• Build organisational capability and succession planning across the business.
• Support recruitment and retention of key personnel.

Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all corporate governance, legal, financial, and health & safety requirements.
• Monitor business risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Maintain strong reporting structures for the Board and shareholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in business systems and processes.

Candidate Requirements

Experience

• 15+ years' experience within construction, manufacturing, engineering, or specialist contracting.
• Previous experience in a senior leadership role such as:
• Managing Director
• Operations Director
• Construction Director
• Commercial Director
• General Manager
• Regional Director
• Proven experience leading business growth and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong commercial and operational background with responsibility for profit and loss.
• Experience working within a project-based construction or engineering environment.