Managing Director

Managing Director | South West England | PE-Backed Manufacturing | Significant Equity Upside on ExitBeaumont Bailey has been exclusively retained to appoint a Managing Director for a well-established, private equity-backed manufacturing business specialising in high-performance yarns and highly engineered materials.The business is a recognised leader within its niche, supplying technically demanding products into a diverse range of industrial end markets, with aerospace representing a key customer sector. It has built a strong reputation for product quality, technical expertise and long-standing customer relationships.Following a recent period of change, the business is entering an important phase of its development, with a clear focus on operational improvement, organisational development, profitability and long-term value creation.Reporting to the Board and working closely with the private equity investors, the incoming Managing Director will take responsibility for leading the next chapter of the business. The mandate is clear: improve operational performance, strengthen margins, enhance execution and build a scalable platform capable of delivering sustainable growth ahead of an anticipated private equity exit within the next 3–5 years.This is not a stewardship role. We are looking for a hands-on leader comfortable taking ownership of complex operational challenges, creating accountability throughout the organisation and delivering measurable improvements across manufacturing, supply chain, commercial execution and overall business performance.Key priorities will include:Driving operational excellence across the manufacturing footprintImproving margins through productivity, efficiency and process improvementBuilding a high-performance leadership culture with clear accountabilityStrengthening operational disciplines, reporting and performance managementSupporting commercial growth across aerospace and other specialist industrial marketsWorking closely with the Board and investors to execute the strategic plan and maximise shareholder valueThe successful candidate is likely to be an existing Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer or General Manager within an engineered manufacturing environment. We are also keen to speak with exceptional operational leaders, including Vice Presidents of Operations, Operations Directors and Plant Managers, who have led significant transformation programmes and are ready to step into broader P&L leadership.Candidates should be able to demonstrate:A track record of improving operational and financial performance within manufacturing businessesExperience leading transformation, turnaround or significant operational improvement programmesStrong leadership capability with the credibility to engage at every level of an organisationCommercial acumen alongside deep operational understandingThe ability to operate effectively within a Board and private equity investor-led environmentThe role is site-based in South West England and requires a highly visible leadership presence within the operation.Alongside a competitive executive package, the appointment will include meaningful equity participation, providing the successful candidate with the opportunity to share directly in the value created through a potential private equity exit over the next 3–5 years.For a confidential discussion, please contact Beaumont Bailey.