NJR are delighted to be the retained partner to Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbuilding in the search for a Managing Director.
This is an excellent opportunity to be part of this multi-award-winning company based in the maritime centre of Cornwall, where they design and custom-build superyacht tenders and motor yachts of the highest quality for leisure and commerce. Renowned for their semi-custom Duchy and Hardy brands.
A quarter of a century of boatbuilding experience underpins technological innovation, ingenious design and modern materials. Combining this with exquisite craftsmanship enables Cockwells to provide boats with outstanding performance, luxury and longevity. Located over 3 sites in the Falmouth area and employing over 140 staff, Cockwells is an important employer in the region and supplies its products to a fast-growing global market.
The Role:
Cockwells is seeking an experienced MD to lead its multi-site operation and supervise and control the company’s strategic and business aspects. This role involves a high level of responsibility with critical decision-making concerning the future strategy of the company and its growing team.
You will have full executive responsibility and report directly to the Chairman, shareholders and the Board. You will instigate and drive the Company’s strategic direction as well as create a vision for the business’s ongoing success.
To thrive as Cockwells MD, you must be a highly astute experienced manager and an inspiring leader. The ideal candidate will have strong business acumen and the ability to oversee and consolidate every department of the business from sales and marketing to finance and production.
In this role, you will work closely with the Financial Director to manage the company’s cash flow and financial forecasts whilst also supporting the Production Director and HR manager to ensure all of the Cockwells team is appropriately skilled, continually motivated and highly productive.
The ultimate goal of this role is to drive Cockwells development and guide it towards long-term profitable success whilst also creating a positive culture and a uniform vision which is understood both internally and externally.
Key Responsibilities:
- Report to, and consult with the Chairman and Board of directors to determine the future path of the company to grow sustainable shareholder value.
- Together with the senior management team, develop high-quality business strategies and clear ESG initiatives, which align with Cockwell’s short-term and long-term objectives and create profit and growth in a sustainable manner.
- Drive and implement change by identifying problems and providing workable solutions
- Develop the positive working culture at Cockwells by leading, motivating and empowering a high-performing management team, and collaborating with the HR manager to ensure high-quality training is provided as and when required.
- Evaluating the work of the other executive leaders within the company including directors, managers etc
- Monitor all operations of all departments observing how they operate and work together to achieve the company goals. Manage change where necessary to increase efficiency.
- Overcome resistance to change through regular communication of mutual benefits.
- Support the Production Director to implement lean initiatives to increase efficiency and improve quality.
- Continue driving forward the development, integration and improvement of M1(the bespoke in-house management software system).
- Review financial and non-financial reports to devise solutions or improvements.
- Enforce adherence to legal guidelines and in-house policies to maintain the company’s legality and business ethics to include BSI 9001 – 9002) Environmental waste regulations (ISO 14001) Health and Safety Regulations (ISO 18001) in conjunction with the Operations Director
- Maintain a deep knowledge of Cockwells markets and the marine industry news and trends by reading relevant publications and meeting with other professionals.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Proven experience as MD or in other senior managerial positions within a similar manufacturing industry.
- Experience in developing profitable strategies and implementing the vision
- Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance management principles.
- A strategic thinker with a logical approach and determination to ensure smooth and efficient operations
- Familiarity with a broad range of business functions such as IT, operations, sales and marketing, finance etc.
- In-depth knowledge of corporate governance and general management best practices
- Outstanding organisational and leadership skills and a strong ability to inspire others
- Analytical abilities and problem-solving skills
- Ability to be decisive in high-pressure situations
- Excellent communicator at all levels from staff on the shop floor to company directors and shareholders
- Appropriate qualifications and academic background for the role.
- Knowledge and/or experience in the marine industry would be a real asset.
To apply, please forward your CV to our retained search partner; Rex Cridland, MD at NJR by email: rex.cridland@njr.uk.com quoting reference NJR/RC401. All direct applications will be forwarded to NJR.