Managing Director

A well-established, research and strategy consultancy is seeking a commercially astute, values-led Managing Director to lead its next chapter.Founded over two decades ago, the organisation has built an internationally recognised reputation for high-quality research, evaluation, strategy and policy work across global challenges helping governments, donors, foundations and civil society learn and adapt. Their expertise covers a wide range of issues from governance, climate change and economic development to conflict, inclusion and humanitarian response.The successful candidate will bring genuine commercial and turnaround leadership experience, combined with the ability to rebuild trust and re-energise a talented team through a new phase of growth. They will be a people-first leader who has working knowledge across some of their key areas of focus; conflict, climate change, economic development and justice. This role will suit a self-starter who wants to build and lead a business in an autonomous role, with the backing and expertise of a strong heritage and experienced board.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide overall commercial, financial and operational leadership of the business, with full P&L accountabilityDeliver against an agreed strategic plan, driving diversification into new sectors, clients and service linesHold the leadership team to account against clear commercial KPIs, embedding a culture of financial discipline and accountabilityLead, inspire and rebuild trust across a small, technically expert team following a period of significant organisational changeRepresent the organisation externally, developing and maintaining senior relationships with government departments, multilateral institutions, foundations and other key clientsMaintain and grow existing high-value client relationships while identifying and securing new business opportunitiesUphold and champion the organisation's values, employee ownership model and B Corp commitmentsOversee governance, risk management and compliance in partnership with the Board and Trust BoardMaintain personal billable/fee-earning delivery capacity alongside executive leadership responsibilitiesManage the transition to a new hybrid working model and office arrangementKey RequirementsSenior executive leadership experienceA demonstrable track record of leading an organisation through commercial challenge, restructuring or turnaround, ideally with quantifiable outcomesProven ability to win and retain clients, with a credible personal network across government, international development, multilateral institutions, foundations, or adjacent commercial sectorsStrong commercial and financial management acumen, with full P&L experienceExperience of building and executing a growth or diversification strategyCorporate governance and risk management experienceComfort operating within a fee-earning, billable consulting delivery model