Job Description
A manufacturer of accessories for the automotive aftermarket is seeking a Managing Director to lead their UK business.
As UK MD you’ll hold full P&L accountability across three SME business entities and be responsible for delivering sustainable growth, increasing market share whilst strengthening profitability and operational excellence and strategic alignment. The business is owned by a European based parent company and you’ll report into their board directors.
The role is based in the Midlands with regular travel in the UK and offers the opportunity for a dynamic & driven aftermarket leader to transform and maximise the potential for this accessories business group.
Job Purpose
To lead, integrate, and scale the group to achieve revenue growth, market share expansion, EBITDA margin improvement and operational integration and synergy realisation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a 3-year strategic growth plan.
- Deliver structured expansion through organic growth and new market opportunities
- Represent the Group in relevant industry forums
- Identify and evaluate new product and adjacent market opportunities.
Financial & P&L Accountability
- Full responsibility for revenue, EBITDA, and cash flow performance.
- Implement rolling 12-month forecasting.
- Improve gross margin and working capital efficiency.
- Ensure disciplined cost management and capital allocation.
Sales & Commercial Leadership
- Define and implement segmented customer value propositions.
- Secure and grow key accounts.
- Increase average order value and cross-sell penetration.
- Develop structured sales performance management.
Operational Excellence & Integration
- Lead business process optimisation across all three entities.
- Identify and realise synergies between the three entities to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Streamline operations to support scalability and growth.
Governance & Board Reporting
- Develop KPIs to measure success against strategic objectives.
- Regular reporting on financial performance, market share growth, and operational metrics to the Board.
Required Skills and Experience
- Track record in a Senior Leadership role with a business supplying the automotive aftermarket
- Experience with a parts/components/accessories manufacturer – highly desirable
- Ability to lead a business – selling on quality and service rather than price
- Experience driving sales via retailers – both automotive dealer groups and aftermarket retailers
- Demonstrable evidence of driving growth and profitability
- Experience managing multiple business functions
- An entrepreneurial mindset and high level of drive to improve business performance
- A proven strategic ability – ideally with evidence of successful change management
- A stable, progressive career history – looking for a medium to long term career move
- Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills – with both internal and external stakeholders
- Emotional intelligence and ability to inspire and motivate and inspire a diverse team
- Located in the Midlands and happy to travel regularly within the UK
In return you’ll be offered a competitive salary, profit related bonus, car and benefits package.
Copeland Automotive Recruitment are committed to helping our clients build diverse and inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and can contribute their unique perspectives. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, and religious beliefs.