Managing Director - Private Equity backed company

Full Job Description

Company Overview

Our client is a private equity owned and fast-growing provider of solutions and services for the aviation sector, with operations in 20 countries and employing close to 1500 FTEs. The firm is pursuing an ambitious expansion strategy to further strengthen its position as global market leader and double its operations in the coming 5 years.

The group is currently seeking to appoint the Managing Director for their operations in the UK and Ireland, one of the largest regions of the group with close to 350 FTE’s and revenues of £70M.

The Role of Managing Director

Reporting to the Executive Committee, the Managing Director UK & Ireland will be part of the Global Leadership team and enjoy the full P&L ownership of the region. He/she will be responsible for (1) pursuing the expansion of the group in the region, (2) ensuring the completion of critical business development initiatives, (3) coordinating the optimal delivery of high-quality services to customers, (4) expanding top line whilst maintaining important margin contributions.

This position will manage and lead around 20 Senior Managers, including a Finance Director, a Commercial Director, an HR Director as well as two Operations Directors.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy Development and Execution: in collaboration with the executive committee and the relevant stakeholders, develop and execute a comprehensive business strategy to ensure the continuous growth of the operations.
• Market Expansion and Penetration: Identify and pursue business development opportunities as well as support key client accounts across the region. Key Account Management of specific global group accounts.
• Financial Performance and Operational Excellence: Drive financial and operational excellence by implementing business plans, managing budgets effectively, and ensuring efficient operations across all departments.
• Team Leadership and Talent Development: Develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Provide guidance and mentorship to team members, promoting professional growth and development.
• Stakeholder Management and Relationship Building: Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders, to ensure a strong market presence and positive brand image.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Identify potential risks and implement effective risk management strategies while ensuring compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements.

Qualifications and Experience:

• 10+ years of demonstrated leadership experience, ideally with full P&L ownership, in a relevant industry such as aviation, leasing, equipment or machine rental, logistics, mobility. Other sectors are possible as long as candidates have transferable experience and skills.
• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as business, law, engineering; MBA or advanced degree highly preferred.
• Proven track record of success in a Private Equity-backed environment is an advantage.
• Strong commercial acumen with a strong understanding of financial and operational metrics.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, coupled with strong business acumen and commercial awareness. Strategic thinker and developer, yet detail oriented.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Hands on and can do mentality. Strong work ethic with passion for the job.
• Strong leadership capabilities, with a passion for developing and motivating high-performing teams.

What we offer

• Senior role within a fast-growing environment with opportunity to develop further on senior level.
• P+L responsibility with high degree of autonomy (including legal company directorship).
• Highly entrepreneurial. Locally managed business, while leveraging group scale.
• Becoming part of a passionate, long standing and strong (leadership) team. Open communication, respect and integrity are key.
• Join a business that is market leader today whilst it has massive opportunity to grow globally. International mobility is an option.
• Opportunity to drive yourself business growth with a qualitative and growing product.
• Strong support from your colleagues and leaders to be successful in what you do.