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Managing Director

Job description

Location: Yorkshire
Salary: Circa £100,000 + benefits
Position: Full-Time, Permanent
Reports To: Group CEO

A long-established business in the bakery and food sector is seeking a seasoned leader to step into a pivotal role at a time of planned leadership transition. With the current Managing Director preparing for retirement, we are offering a rare succession opportunity — this position can be appointed either at General Manager level with a clear path to Managing Director, or directly as Managing Director, depending on the experience and capability of the successful candidate.

About the Role

This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role, with full P&L responsibility and accountability for operational performance, commercial growth, and long-term business strategy. You will lead a skilled team of 50+ and be responsible for developing high-performing operations while driving innovation and sustainable growth in the bakery and food sector.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver strategic and financial objectives in line with company goals.

  • Lead and develop the senior management team to achieve business performance targets.

  • Improve operational effectiveness, drive efficiencies, and foster collaborative leadership.

  • Strengthen relationships with key customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.

  • Identify new opportunities in product development, market expansion, and innovation.

  • Ensure robust financial reporting, compliance, and site safety standards.

  • Establish a strong performance culture with measurable KPIs and team accountability.

What We’re Looking For

  • Background in the bakery or food industry is essential.

  • Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or a similar discipline.

  • Proven leadership in low-volume, engineered product manufacturing within food.

  • Experience as a Managing Director or General Manager with oversight of 50+ staff.

  • Track record of driving commercial success and building effective management teams.

  • Strong communicator with excellent stakeholder management skills.

  • Willingness to travel nationally and internationally when required.

Ideal Attributes

  • Commercially astute and results-focused.

  • Confident in leading cross-functional teams and fostering collaboration.

  • Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

  • Acts with integrity and holds others to account.

  • Promotes a culture of openness, innovation, and high performance.

Why This Role?

This is a unique opportunity to join a well-respected player in the bakery and food industry, stepping into a leadership role with full influence and the backing of a stable, supportive ownership structure. If you're ready for a strategic leadership position with room to make a lasting impact, we want to hear from you.