Managing Director

About

Our client is seeking an experienced Managing Director to lead a specialist manufacturing business within the heat exchange and radiator industry. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring a strong technical foundation in thermodynamics and mechanical engineering, combined with proven experience in managing engineering manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the strategic, operational, and technical performance of the business, including the design, production, and delivery of heat exchange and pressure vessel equipment. The ideal individual will be comfortable operating in a manufacturing environment, with direct involvement in production oversight, engineering decision-making, and team leadership.

Duties & Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead overall business strategy, operations, and financial performance
• Drive operational efficiency, productivity, and profitability
• Provide leadership to production, engineering, and support teams
• Manage internal staff, consultants, and external service providers
• Oversee daily manufacturing operations within a fabrication environment
• Ensure effective production planning, scheduling, and workflow management
• Maintain quality standards, compliance, and on-time delivery
• Oversee design, engineering, and manufacturing of heat exchangers, radiators, and pressure vessel equipment
• Review technical briefs and oversee quotation preparation
• Ensure accurate databook compilation and technical documentation
• Engage with customers, suppliers, and service providers
• Support project planning, execution, and delivery

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Strong hands-on experience in thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Proven background in an engineering manufacturing environment
• Senior leadership experience (GM / Operations Manager / Managing Director level)
• Experience in pressure vessel or heat exchanger environments highly advantageous
• MBA or postgraduate business qualification beneficial
• Strong understanding and practical application of thermodynamics (heat transfer essential)
• Proven experience in the design and/or manufacture of heat exchangers, radiators, or pressure vessels
• Solid mechanical engineering background (essential)
• Experience in fabrication, welding, or heavy engineering manufacturing environments
• Exposure to thermal design principles and engineering calculations