Managing Director; Designate - Ownership

Position: Managing Director (Designate) - Future Ownership Opportunity
Neo Recruitment is supporting a long - established marketing, design, and communications consultancy as it begins a planned leadership transition. We are seeking a Managing Director (Designate) who will take on day - to - day leadership of the business and, over time, move into full ownership, either directly or by leading a future management/employee buy - out. The current Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director will provide structured support during the initial period, with the potential to remain available for key consultancy input as required.

This creates a stable, well - supported pathway for the incoming leader to step confidently into the role. The Opportunity This is a rare chance to take the helm of a respected consultancy with long - standing client relationships and a reputation for thoughtful, high - quality work across brand, marketing, and communications. You will:
Lead the business operationally from day one Shape and drive the strategic direction of the consultancy Build trust with clients and guide the delivery of high-quality work Provide strong, people-centred leadership to a small, experienced team Hold responsibility for commercial performance and take ownership for P&L management Strengthen the agencys market position and identify opportunities for growth Prepare the organisation for a phased transition to new ownership This role suits someone who wants to run, and ultimately own, a successful consultancy built on partnership, creativity, and long - term client relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the day-to-day running of the business Set and deliver the strategic direction for the next phase of growth Build and maintain strong client relationships, ensuring continuity and trust Oversee the delivery of brand, marketing, and communications projects Provide clear leadership, support, and development for the team Contribute to commercial decision-making and financial performance Modernise processes and evolve the culture where needed Work closely with the current Managing Director and Deputy Managing Director during a structured handover Prepare the business for a smooth transition to new ownership Skills and Experience Essential Proven leadership experience in a marketing, brand, creative or communications environment Strong commercial awareness and understanding of how a consultancy operates Ability to lead both strategically and operationally Strong understanding of marketing, branding, and communications Excellent relationship-building and client-facing skills Experience growing or strengthening a service-based business Comfortable leading in a founder-led or owner-managed environment

Desirable Experience shaping or modernising a small team or consultancy Understanding of digital marketing, social media, and website management Personal Attributes Strategic thinker with sound commercial judgement Calm, credible, and empathetic communicator Relationship-driven and values-led Entrepreneurial mindset with a genuine desire to own and operate a consultancy Confident, trustworthy, and able to lead through change Motivated by long-term stewardship, not short-term gains Working Pattern Hybrid role based in Edinburgh and surrounding area On-site presence required three days per week (including Wednesdays) A Unique Leadership and Ownership Pathway This is an exceptional opportunity for a leader who wants to:
Take on a meaningful leadership role Shape the future of a respected consultancy Build long-term client partnerships Transition into business ownership with support and stability If youre ready to lead a business and ultimately make it your own, wed be delighted to hear from you.