Managing Director | Circular Economy, Recycling & Resource Management

Build a Business. Shape an Industry.

55 Exec Search has been exclusively retained to appoint a Managing Director on behalf of a highly respected founder-led business operating within the UK's Circular Economy, Recycling and Resource Management sector.

This isn't a business that simply manages waste.

It's a business helping organisations rethink how resources are recovered, recycled and reused, delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions that reduce environmental impact while creating commercial value.

With strong foundations already in place, the founders are now looking for an exceptional leader to take the business into its next phase of growth.

This is a rare opportunity to lead an established organisation with an excellent reputation, accelerate its commercial growth, strengthen its leadership team, expand through strategic acquisitions and maximise long-term enterprise value.

If you're motivated by building businesses rather than simply running them, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Please note: Due to the specialist nature of this appointment, applicants should have significant senior leadership experience within the UK Circular Economy, Recycling, Resource Management or Environmental Services sector to be considered.

The Opportunity:

As Managing Director, you'll have full responsibility for the strategic direction and operational performance of the business.

You’ll work closely with the founders and Board to:

• Deliver sustainable revenue growth and improve profitability.
• Strengthen the company's position within the circular economy and recycling sector.
• Develop innovative recycling and resource recovery solutions that help customers maximise value from their waste streams.
• Build strategic partnerships with commercial and industrial customers across the UK.
• Identify and integrate acquisitions that enhance capability and support long-term growth.
• Develop and inspire a high-performing leadership team while preserving the entrepreneurial culture that has driven the company's success.

About You

We're looking for an experienced commercial leader with a genuine passion for sustainability, growth and innovation.

You’ll be able to demonstrate:

• Significant senior leadership experience within the UK Circular Economy, Recycling, Resource Management or Environmental Services sector.
• A strong understanding of commercial waste streams, recycling infrastructure, treatment routes and resource recovery.
• Must have a proven track record of scaling a business through sustained commercial growth.
• Executive responsibility for improving financial performance, including EBITDA.
• Experience working closely with founders, shareholders or Boards.
• Exposure to preparing a business for investment, acquisition or exit is mandatory.
• Experience delivering acquisitions, integrating businesses or operating within investor-backed organisations

Why This Role?

The transition to a circular economy is creating significant opportunities for businesses that can combine commercial performance with environmental responsibility.

This organisation is exceptionally well positioned to capitalise on that opportunity.

As Managing Director, you'll have the autonomy to shape strategy, influence investment decisions and lead a business that is helping customers reduce waste, increase recycling and recover greater value from their resources.

It's an opportunity to make a genuine commercial impact while contributing to a more sustainable future.

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