Divisional Managing Director – Blackmore Vale Publications
Armishaws Group
Location: Wincanton, Somerset, with regional travel
Reporting to: Directors
Position: Full-time, permanent
Package: Competitive executive package with performance-related incentives
The opportunity
Armishaws Group is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Divisional Managing Director to lead its Blackmore Vale portfolio of regional magazines, newspapers and digital media platforms.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership position with responsibility for the division’s strategy, financial performance, operations and people. Working closely with, and reporting directly to, the Directors, the successful candidate will lead the business into its next phase of sustainable growth and expansion.
We are looking for an ambitious media professional who understands the commercial and operational demands of free regional publishing. The successful candidate will combine strategic leadership with the energy, drive and practical ability to deliver results across the business.
Key responsibilities
The Divisional Managing Director will:
- Take overall responsibility for the commercial, financial and operational performance of the division.
- Work with the Directors to define the division’s long-term objectives and translate them into clear, deliverable strategies.
- Prepare and deliver annual business plans, budgets and financial forecasts.
- Maintain and improve profitability, cash flow and sustainable revenue growth.
- Lead the development of print advertising, digital advertising, sponsorship, partnerships and other commercial revenue streams.
- Identify opportunities to expand into new geographic areas, publications and digital markets.
- Oversee the day-to-day performance of sales, editorial, production, distribution, digital and administrative functions.
- Establish clear objectives and performance measures for teams and individuals.
- Strengthen sales leadership, commercial accountability and customer retention.
- Review the performance and market position of each publication and digital platform.
- Develop an integrated print and digital strategy that increases audience reach and commercial value.
- Ensure effective operational and financial controls are maintained throughout the division.
- Recruit, lead, motivate and develop a high-performing team.
- Foster a positive, collaborative and results-focused organisational culture.
- Build productive relationships with advertisers, suppliers, community organisations and regional stakeholders.
- Protect the quality, integrity and reputation of the Blackmore Vale publications.
- Provide the Board with clear, accurate and timely reports on performance, opportunities and risks.
- Ensure the division operates in accordance with relevant legal, regulatory and professional standards.
The successful candidate
Candidates should have substantial senior leadership experience within regional media, newspapers, magazines, publishing or a closely related advertising-funded business.
They should be able to demonstrate:
- A strong understanding of the operational and commercial aspects of free regional publications.
- A successful record of growing advertising revenue and improving profitability.
- Experience managing a profit-and-loss account, budgets, forecasts and cash flow.
- Strong leadership experience across sales, editorial, production, distribution and digital functions.
- Experience developing print and digital audiences and revenue streams.
- The ability to formulate strategy and convert it into measurable results.
- Experience leading teams through growth, change or business improvement.
- Strong commercial judgement, negotiation and decision-making skills.
- The confidence to work constructively with a board while taking ownership of day-to-day executive decisions.
- An understanding of the importance of editorial integrity and trusted local journalism.
- Experience identifying and evaluating expansion opportunities.
Knowledge of the regional business and media landscape across Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire would be advantageous.
Personal qualities
The successful candidate will be:
- Ambitious, energetic and highly motivated.
- Entrepreneurial and alert to new commercial opportunities.
- A visible, hands-on and approachable leader.
- Financially disciplined and strongly results-focused.
- Decisive, resilient and comfortable being held accountable for performance.
- Capable of motivating employees and establishing a culture of success.
- An effective communicator who can build confidence with employees, advertisers, readers and the Board.
- Committed to the future growth of independent regional media.
The objective
The successful candidate will share the Director’s ambition to strengthen the existing business while expanding into new markets. They will be expected to create a clear plan for growth, build a capable and motivated team and ensure the division has the commercial and operational foundations required for long-term success.
Applications
Candidates should submit a CV and covering letter detailing their relevant sector experience, leadership background and examples of commercial growth they have delivered.
All applications will be treated in strict confidence.
Pay: Up to £95,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
