Managing Director

Managing Director – Office Furniture Manufacturing
Location: Haverhill, UK
Salary: Competitive package + Company Car + Additional Benefits

Our exclusive client, a leading manufacturer in the office furniture sector is undergoing a pivotal transformation. With recent investment in advanced CNC machinery and a clear growth strategy, this privately owned European company is seeking a highly skilled Managing Director to tackle operational inefficiencies, build a strong team culture, and expand market presence.

This is an exciting opportunity for a results-driven leader to join a business poised for growth.
  
Key Responsibilities:  

• Full Accountability Across Business Functions: Lead the Senior Management Team, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment with strategic objectives. Take full responsibility for business performance, profitability, and long-term growth.
• Operational Efficiency and Quality: Drive operational efficiency by identifying inefficiencies and implementing industry best practices across manufacturing and production. Use data-driven insights to optimise workflows, reduce waste, and enhance product quality. Champion a culture of continuous improvement.
• Improvement in Manufacturing Processes: Undertake detailed evaluations of current manufacturing processes to identify bottlenecks, redundancies, and cost-saving opportunities. Implement cutting-edge technologies to streamline operations and boost productivity. Develop and enforce stringent quality control measures to ensure consistent and high-quality output.
• Sales Strategy Development: Lead the creation and implementation of a comprehensive sales strategy, including the establishment of an in-house sales function. Work to refine market penetration strategies, pricing structures, and customer engagement plans, ensuring alignment with 2025 growth targets.
• Market Expansion: Actively seek and exploit growth opportunities within the UK and German markets. Forge strategic partnerships and leverage the parent company’s network to open new revenue streams.
• Integration of Innovation and Technology: Improve forecasting, inventory management, and production scheduling, enhancing overall efficiency.
• Leadership and Culture Development: Provide inspiring and effective leadership to drive high performance and foster a strong, collaborative workplace culture.

Candidate Profile:  

• Proven experience as a Managing Director.
• Strong background in manufacturing, specifically in office furniture or related industries.
• Expertise in production processes.
• Process and systems-oriented, with a focus on operational efficiency and profitability.
• Financially astute, able to connect business operations with bottom-line results.
• Exceptional leadership skills, capable of building trust and fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Hands-on and approachable, with a willingness to engage in day-to-day business operations.
• Experienced in go-to-market strategies, capable of managing both direct and indirect sales functions.
• Based within a commutable distance to Haverhill.
• German language skills (or an interest in learning) are an advantage.

The Package:  

• Competitive package
• Performance-based bonus
• Company car and additional benefits.

Deadline:  

• Appointment targeted for January, with a start date shortly thereafter.
• Lead the change. Deliver results. Shape the future.

Certus Recruitment Group is a well-established and experienced specialist consultancy providing sales, marketing, and IT recruitment services. We serve the technology sector across the UK, Europe, North America, and Australia.