Managing Director

Our client is a market leading manufacturer of print & packaging supplies with a proven record of providing high quality products backed up by an impeccable reputation for offering excellent customer service and support.

Technical expertise, specialist products, customer service and an ability to innovate is what allows them to stand out from the crowd and meet the changing demands of the market.

This independent and dynamic company has seen significant growth over the years in a very challenging and demanding sector. They are positive about the future, and are looking for a proactive, driven, and experienced Managing Director to lead the business during its next chapter.

MAIN PURPOSE

With overall responsibility for the running of the business, the position will define the company’s strategic direction and will have the responsibility of growing the business, increasing margin and have full P&L responsibility. We are therefore looking for a sales oriented candidate, rather than someone from a production environment.

The role will have several direct reports and will also be responsible for coordinating and oversight of the Capex spend and delivering key operational projects.

SCOPE

You will take the lead in directing the business towards achieving its strategic sales and operational goals and have overall responsibility for sales activities and site operations. The complexity of this role comes through the diversity of managerial activities, which must consider various aspects including people, customer requirements, technical boundaries, materials, plant & process, and costs; all from a short-term view through to a long-term strategic direction.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead direct sales effort by devising and delivering sales strategies

• Increasing profitability

• Provide accurate and timely monthly and quarterly reports to the owners as appropriate.

• Lead on key projects aimed at future development of the company’s operational infrastructure.

• Ensure the business has the necessary resources, capability, skills, and plant & equipment to meet day to day requirements and growth targets.

• Create, review, and implement new business procedures where necessary

 • Set priorities for technical, production and other staff in collaboration with other relevant heads of department.

• Model high level leadership and people management skills.  

• Manage CAPEX projects to timescale and deliver within budget.

• Lead and build a culture within the company of positive staff engagement and wellbeing.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

You will be an exceptional leader with a proven track record of producing results through empowered management. You will be commercially aware, financially astute and be comfortable operating in a demanding and fast paced print or packaging manufacturing environment.

We are looking for energy, passion, and empathy in a natural self-starter; a strong leader who can motivate a team of different individuals and deliver results. Someone who has an ability to initiate and implement continuous culture change and who has an open mindset to the continuous improvement of individuals, both professionally and personally.

PERSONAL

• An innovative, entrepreneurial, self-motivated, dynamic, independent, results oriented leader, with excellent interpersonal and communication skills

• Must be willing to travel internationally (within Europe)

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

• High level leadership and people management skills

• Proven track record in improving business performance

• Price and margin management

• Strategic thinking

• Broad operational experience in a manufacturing environment

• Capable of managing sales and operational projects from concept to completion

• Communication and teamwork

Desirable:  

• Knowledge of the flexible packaging market in the UK

• Continuous improvement

• Managing change

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

Essential:

• Strong commercial awareness

• Excellent analytical and decision-making skills

• Strong strategic and operational planner

 SPECIAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Energy and passion and a natural self-starter

• A leader who can motivate a team of different individuals and characters and get results

• Ability to initiate and implement continuous culture change

• Comfortable working in a SME, multitasking and getting results with limited support