European Managing Director

Brightsmith Group is a global specialist recruitment firm partnering with ambitious, sustainability‑led organisations operating across ESG, real assets, and the built environment.

We are supporting a confidential retained search for a Managing Director, UK & Europe, on behalf of a rapidly scaling international sustainability and ESG advisory firm. The business is recognised for combining commercial rigour with deep technical expertise, working with leading investors, funds, and corporates to embed sustainability into real assets, portfolios, and operating strategies. With a growing footprint across Europe, North America, and Asia, the firm is entering its next phase of international growth and organisational maturity.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Managing Director, UK & Europe will hold senior regional responsibility for driving long‑term, sustainable, and profitable growth across the UK and European markets.

The role sits at the heart of the global leadership team and combines strategic leadership, pan‑European business development, commercial ownership, and people leadership. It plays a critical role in shaping regional execution of global strategy, strengthening cross‑border collaboration, and scaling the firm’s presence with international clients.

• Own accountability for growth across the UK and Europe, setting and executing a coherent regional strategy aligned with global priorities.
• Lead and coordinate senior leaders across UK and European markets to deliver aligned growth and consistent performance.
• Build deep insight into UK and European market dynamics, regulatory environments, and client needs to inform investment and strategic decisions.
• Act as a key contributor to global strategy, transformation initiatives, and long‑term investment planning.
• Identify and establish strategic partnerships that enhance regional capabilities, market access, and scalability.

• Originate, lead, and close high‑value UK and pan‑European client mandates, from opportunity qualification through to commercial negotiation.
• Build and maintain a strong, diversified regional pipeline to support predictable and profitable growth.
• Drive cross‑border collaboration to deliver integrated, multi‑disciplinary solutions for international clients.
• Represent the firm as a senior industry leader across the UK and Europe through conferences, executive networks, and thought leadership.

• Build and maintain trusted, C‑suite level relationships with key UK and European clients.
• Act as a strategic advisor on complex, multi‑market sustainability, ESG, and real asset challenges.
• Sponsor strategic account planning and oversee major international client relationships.
• Lead, mentor, and develop senior leaders across UK and European markets.
• Oversee regional workforce planning, senior hiring, and leadership development.
• Own succession planning and leadership capability building across the region.
• Champion collaboration, knowledge‑sharing, and mobility across borders.
• Hold full responsibility for UK and European P&L performance, including revenue growth, margins, cost control, and compliance.
• Drive strong commercial discipline across pricing, utilisation, backlog, and margin management.
• Lead regional planning, budgeting, and forecasting aligned with strategic objectives and market conditions.

This role offers a highly competitive base salary within a private equity–backed platform, providing both financial strength and a clear mandate for growth. Equity participation is available, aligning long‑term value creation with personal reward, alongside the opportunity to work directly with the CEO and shape global strategy while leading the UK and European business at a pivotal stage of international scale and expansion.