Managing Director | PE-Backed Scientific Services | Yorkshire

Are you a strategic leader ready to pilot a high-growth business unit within a market-leading scientific group?

Due to internal promotion, we are seeking a high-calibre Managing Director/General Manager to lead a specialist division within a premier, UK-based provider of forensic and analytical services.

Following a significant private equity investment and a successful "buy-and-build" strategy, our client has transformed from a niche consultancy into a multi-disciplinary laboratory powerhouse. This is a rare opportunity to join a group that combines the agility of an entrepreneurial scale-up with the technical "Tier 1" prestige of a legacy firm.

The Opportunity

As the Managing Director of one of our core specialist business units, you will hold full P&L accountability and will be the driving force behind the division’s strategy, operational excellence, and commercial growth.

Based at our state-of-the-art facility in Yorkshire, you will lead a dedicated team of experts providing critical testing services.

The Role

• Strategic Leadership: Shape and implement the business unit strategy to drive revenue and achieve ambitious growth goals.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee all operational activities, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality and regulatory standards.
• Financial Performance: During a period of rapid growth and organisational change, maintain tight control over project margins and pricing strategies to meet and exceed EBITDA targets.
• Growth & Business Development: Support the Business Development team to secure new contracts and expand the division’s footprint.
• Executive Representation: Be the face of the business unit at the highest levels of the Group, contributing to the broader success of a PE-backed enterprise.

Who We Are Looking For

• Commercial Mindset: A proven track record in a MD/GM capacity, ideally within a highly regulated environments such as Scientific/Testing OR Manufacturing sectors to include Med Tech, Marine, Offshore, Petrochemicals, Renewables, Aerospace, Metals & Minerals, Pharma.
• PE Experience: Familiarity with the pace and rigor of a Private Equity-backed environment is highly desirable.
• Operational Rigour: A leader who understands how to balance technical excellence with lean, efficient operations.
• Process & Governance: A keen eye for Quality and a strong knowledge of Assurance systems and processes in highly regulated environments.
• Communication: An engaging leader capable of motivating multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex stakeholder relationships, with a high level of empathy.

Why Join?

This is a business in its "v2.0" phase. Following a major rebranding and a period of rapid acquisition, the infrastructure is in place for significant scaling. You will be working alongside a talented and ambitious executive team backed by a leading UK private equity firm.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary leader with the commercial acumen to drive a high-barrier-to-entry scientific business, we want to hear from you. Apply / Contact Simon Owens for a confidential discussion. Note: This is a confidential search. Detailed company information will be provided to shortlisted candidates.