Non-Executive Director (NED) - Manufacturing (Axel)

Non-Executive Director (NED)

Engineering & Manufacturing Business – Midlands, UK

Overview

An established Midlands-based engineering business is entering a significant new phase following a recent change in ownership. With strong technical foundations, loyal customers, and a respected market position, the company is now embarking on a multi-year transformation programme designed to modernise operations, reposition the business strategically, and unlock sustainable growth.

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Non-Executive Director (NED) to support the Board and executive leadership team through this period of change. This role requires a balance of strategic oversight, operational understanding, cultural leadership, and the ability to challenge constructively while supporting management through a demanding transition.

The successful candidate will bring credibility within engineering, manufacturing, industrial, or operationally intensive businesses and will have experience helping organisations navigate transformation, turnaround, scaling, or strategic repositioning.

The Opportunity

The business has ambitious plans to:

• Reposition and modernise the organisation following acquisition/new ownership
• Drive operational improvement and cultural renewal
• Refocus the commercial strategy and customer proposition
• Improve organisational energy, accountability, and leadership capability
• Invest in innovation, technology, and future market opportunities
• Deliver long-term profitable growth while maintaining engineering excellence

The transformation will require sustained leadership over several years and a Board capable of balancing strategic ambition with operational realism.

Role Responsibilities

The Non-Executive Director will:

Strategic Leadership

• Provide independent strategic guidance to the Board and executive team
• Support development and execution of the company’s transformation roadmap
• Challenge assumptions constructively and help refine strategic priorities
• Contribute to long-term planning, investment decisions, and market positioning

Transformation & Change

• Support the business through a prolonged period of organisational and cultural change
• Bring experience of business transformation, restructuring, operational improvement, or strategic pivots
• Help maintain momentum, resilience, and leadership alignment during periods of uncertainty
• Encourage pace, accountability, and delivery discipline across the organisation

Board Governance

• Ensure strong governance, risk management, and decision-making processes
• Provide balanced oversight while remaining commercially pragmatic
• Support effective Board dynamics and leadership development
• Uphold high standards of integrity, transparency, and stakeholder management

Leadership Support

• Act as a trusted advisor and sounding board to the Chair, CEO, and senior leadership team
• Mentor emerging leaders where appropriate
• Help energise and modernise leadership culture across the business

Commercial & Operational Insight

• Contribute sector insight and operational perspective
• Support growth initiatives, partnerships, and market repositioning
• Provide guidance on operational scalability, customer relationships, and organisational capability

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a highly credible leader with:

• Previous experience as a Non-Executive Director, Board Advisor, or senior executive
• A background within engineering, manufacturing, industrial, technical, or operational businesses
• Proven experience leading or supporting major organisational change
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic capability
• The ability to challenge positively while building trust and alignment
• High emotional intelligence and resilience
• A pragmatic, hands-on mindset with the ability to operate in evolving environments

Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:

• Business turnaround or performance improvement
• Private equity or investor-backed environments
• Operational transformation
• Cultural change programmes
• Growth strategy execution
• Digitisation, automation, or industrial modernisation

Personal Attributes

The successful individual will be:

• Credible and grounded
• Strategic but practical
• Calm under pressure
• Energetic and forward-looking
• Collaborative yet independent-minded
• Comfortable operating through ambiguity and long-term change
• Passionate about building sustainable businesses and strong teams

Commitment

• Board meetings: approximately 1–2 days per month
• Additional involvement during key transformation phases may be required
• Midlands-based with occasional UK travel

Remuneration

Competitive NED fee commensurate with experience and commitment.

Purpose of the Role

This appointment represents an opportunity to help reshape and revitalise a respected engineering business at a pivotal moment in its evolution. The incoming NED will play a meaningful role in helping create a modern, energised, and strategically focused organisation capable of long-term success under new ownership.