Managing Director

Brightsmith Group is a global specialist recruitment firm partnering with high-growth, sustainability-led organisations that are shaping the future of the built environment, ESG, and real assets.

We are supporting a confidential retained search for a Managing Director, UK, to lead and scale the UK business of a rapidly growing international sustainability and ESG advisory firm. Recognised as one of Europe’s fastest-growing consultancies, the firm operates across Europe, the US, and Asia, partnering with leading global investors, funds, and blue-chip organisations to deliver long-term sustainable value as part of a fully integrated global platform.

The Opportunity

This role carries full leadership and P&L responsibility for the UK market, with a mandate to drive sustainable, profitable growth while strengthening the firm’s market position and client relationships.

The Managing Director, UK will act as the senior figurehead for the business domestically, while collaborating closely with European and global leadership to support cross-border growth and client delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own full accountability for the UK business, setting strategy and driving sustained growth and performance.
• Define and execute a UK growth strategy aligned to global priorities, target sectors, and key accounts.
• Develop deep insight into UK market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and client needs to inform investment and positioning.
• Act as the senior UK figurehead, representing the firm with clients, partners, and across the wider industry.

Business Development & Market Expansion

• Originate, lead, and close high-value UK client engagements, from early qualification through to commercial negotiation.
• Build and maintain a strong, diversified pipeline to support predictable and profitable growth.
• Collaborate with European colleagues to support cross-border mandates and international client relationships.
• Shape UK-focused marketing, thought leadership, and market positioning initiatives.

Client Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain trusted, C-suite level relationships with key UK clients.
• Act as a strategic advisor on complex sustainability, ESG, and real asset challenges.
• Sponsor strategic account planning and oversee delivery for major UK accounts.
• Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing and inclusive UK leadership team.
• Lead senior recruitment, talent development, and succession planning.
• Coach and mentor senior leaders, building future leadership capability.
• Hold full responsibility for the UK P&L, including revenue growth, margins, cost control, and compliance.
• Drive strong commercial discipline across pricing, utilisation, and margin management.
• Lead UK planning, budgeting, and forecasting in alignment with strategic objectives.

This role offers a competitive base salary alongside the backing of a private equity, supported platform, providing both financial security and a clear mandate for growth. Equity participation is available, aligning long-term value creation with personal reward, and the position offers a rare opportunity to help shape global strategy while leading a business at a pivotal stage of scale and international expansion.