When our client approached us seeking to recruit a high calibre Managing Director to support the ongoing growth of the UK subsidiary , we were eager to assist. Despite the complexities of needing an experienced MD with strong P&L credentials gained with a recognised OEM supplying similar markets, we successfully identified the ideal candidate.
Discover the full case study below.
Headquartered in France and listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, Manitou Group develops, manufactures and supplies access platforms, earthmoving and handling equipment and services for the agriculture, construction and industrial markets globally. Employing circa 5,500, the Group generates annual revenues of approximately €3bn.
The UK business supports an established network of dealers and end user customers. Manitou UK has a particularly strong position in the construction and agriculture sectors, with a market share of about 25%.
Manitou approached NSCG seeking a high calibre Managing Director to support the ongoing growth of the UK subsidiary whilst interfacing with the Group HQ in France. The role required an experienced MD with strong P&L credentials gained with a recognised OEM supplying similar markets through a dealer network.
Alignment with the Manitou Mindset was also essential from a leadership perspective, including the ability to sustain the Manitou heritage whilst constantly adapting in a changing environment.
First, we defined the requirement in detail with input from key stakeholders including; European HR Director, Global HR Business Partner and President, Distribution Europe (the hiring manager) before agreeing the search strategy.
We mapped the market for MD’s and GM’s working for relevant OEMs, as well as identifying candidates working for businesses in parallel sectors, to promote diversity.
We engaged the market (under NDA), generating interest from a range of relevant candidates working for other major brand owners.
We qualified ‘longlist’ candidates before delivering a high quality, diverse shortlist to the hiring team at Manitou.
Following initial ‘shortlist’ client interviews, we undertook a detailed Executive Assessment with candidates, generating further insight into their capability and alignment with the Manitou Mindset and Manitou Success Profile.
We debriefed with Manitou following shortlist assessments, supporting the client to identify the most suitable candidate from a competitive field.
The final candidate was introduced to the Group Executive in France ahead of a final decision.
Manitou appointed a high calibre Managing Director with relevance gained through experience with Deutz AG, Cummins and Finning.
The new hire possessed the P&L and commercial credentials required for the role but also aligned well with the Manitou Mindset and Manitou Leadership Success Factors.
Having worked in large corporates and medium-sized companies, the candidate could demonstrate the ability to run an autonomous, local subsidiary whilst also operating within the Group matrix structure.
Our Executive Assessment highlighted the candidate’s ability to perform in the UK MD role and their potential to take on additional strategic responsibilities.
The candidate’s early impact identified them as a prospect for roles on the Group Executive Committee in the fulness of time.
The appointed candidate has brought clear focus and direction to the UK business as Manitou moves into 2026.
He has continued to build confidence with the dealer network in a market impacted by supply chain disruption and the availability of spare parts and finished goods.
The candidate’s leadership presence has been recognised at Group-level, and he’s already been identified as someone with strong onward potential. This has led to early involvement in strategic projects as the group restructures for growth.
The new hire’s strong and collaborative leadership style has also helped galvanise the team locally whilst further raising their profile at Group-level in France.