Sales/Commercial Director - MD Location: Hampshire / South East EnglandOur client is a market-leading UK business within the industrial manufacturing and distribution sector, supplying high-quality, safety-focused products through a strong national network of distribution partners. With a dynamic, ambitious culture and a customer-first mindset, the company has enjoyed exceptional growth, scaling more than tenfold in recent years.The next phase of growth requires a dedicated sales-led Managing Director to bring sharper structure, discipline, and execution to the commercial strategy, while maintaining the entrepreneurial drive that underpins success to date.The OpportunityThis is a newly created, high-impact leadership role. The Managing Director will take full ownership of the UK business, leading commercial operations with a primary focus on building and scaling a high-performing sales organisation, defining new market opportunities, and aligning marketing and product development with long-term growth ambitions.This position is particularly well suited to a Sales or Commercial Director from the manufacturing, engineering, or distribution sectors, who is ready to take on their first full Managing Director role and drive measurable business scale.Key ResponsibilitiesFull P&L ownership and day-to-day leadership of the UK business (~£multi-million turnover).Define and implement a sales growth strategy that expands into new market sectors.Partner with marketing to strengthen lead generation, brand development, and segment focus.Drive new product development initiatives to meet emerging customer and sector needs.Introduce systems for forecasting, reporting, and sales enablement to support sustainable growth.Provide leadership, coaching, and development to maximise team capability.Candidate ProfileA commercially minded sales leader with strong B2B experience in manufacturing, industrial, engineering, or distribution sectors.Likely operating today as a Sales Director, Commercial Director, or Business Unit Leader, now seeking a step-up into a first-time Managing Director position.Proven success in strategic account growth, complex procurement environments, and sales team leadership.Energetic, hands-on leadership style with the ability to build loyalty and engagement across teams.Skilled at balancing entrepreneurial drive with structured processes, systems, and governance.Low-ego, approachable, and aligned with values of hunger, humility, and people-smart.📌 This role offers a unique opportunity for an ambitious commercial leader to shape and scale a high-growth UK business.Contact Kate@austinmatley.com