Managing Director (Hybrid - London)

About Zinc Network

For over fifteen years, Zinc Network has been helping governments and businesses navigate the world's most complex challenges using communications, technology, and behavioural science. We work on some of the toughest briefs: protecting children online, strengthening democratic resilience, and championing purpose-driven technologies and organisations.

Working in partnership with a global network of media outlets, communities, and influencers, we help clients understand complex issues, design and deliver behavioural interventions, create compelling campaigns, activate trusted grassroots networks, and evaluate impact.

We're now building Kora - our AI-powered platform that systematises this expertise into scalable technology, enabling clients to work faster, more impactfully, and more cost-effectively.

We're looking for people who want to operate at the intersection of geopolitics, security, and technological disruption, and who are committed to building a safer, more secure world.

Role Overview

We are looking for a leader to call the big decisions day to day, manage the business against the P&L, lead transformation from a consultancy to a product-led business, deliver financial performance, and ensure client satisfaction - all while maintaining the operational health of the organisation.

Reporting to the Executive Chair, the Managing Director will lead the company on a day-to-day basis, execute our business plan, integrate project delivery, operations, and technical departments, and drive commercial growth against revenue and EBITDA targets. You will champion internal change as we embed Kora into delivery workflows and ensure the business scales smoothly as we deepen our work with HMG, Western governments and defence clients.

What You'll Be Doing Financial Performance and Commercial Growth

• Own P&L performance, ensuring revenue and EBITDA targets are met
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
• Lead the Head of Business Development to drive growth through new wins, renewals, and portfolio expansion
• Ensure robust oversight of major bid efforts for complex Government procurement (ISF, CCS, SSJs, open tenders)
• Build and maintain senior relationships with key clients
• Position Zinc for new market opportunities, particularly in defence, security, and resilient societies
• Provide expert guidance on pricing, risk, teaming arrangements, and contract structures

Leadership and Programme Delivery

• Be the day-to-day leader of the company, guiding the senior management team to deliver quarterly objectives and championing our culture and values
• Drive internal change management as we evolve towards an AI-first, product-led business
• Alongside the Director of Programmes, oversee programme delivery to ensure projects meet quality, time, and budget expectations
• Ensure the highest levels of client satisfaction
• Respond to and mitigate threats and risks
• Strengthen strong governance, reporting systems, and client satisfaction metrics
• Work with Kora's leadership and Technical Director to embed technology and AI tools into delivery workflows
• Drive a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and accountability

Operational Leadership

• Alongside the Finance Director, support operational functions across finance, HR, resourcing, compliance, IT, security, and facilities
• Ensure efficient, profitable operations with full compliance to legal, regulatory, and client requirements
• Implement systems and processes that enable scaling while maintaining quality and accountability
• Oversee risk management across contractual, operational, security, and reputational domains

People and Culture

• Build and develop a high-performing senior management team
• Foster a culture balancing ambition with wellbeing, innovation with rigour, and mission with commercial sustainability
• Oversee recruitment, retention, and professional development strategies
• Be a visible, trusted, and inspiring leader across the organisation

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• 10+ years' experience in senior operational or commercial leadership, ideally within consulting, communications, defence, or international development
• Proven experience managing complex Government procurement (ISF focus)
• Strong financial acumen - P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, commercial modelling
• Growth mindset with success winning and delivering high-value government contracts (£1m+ annually)
• Experience leading business transformation - scaling, restructuring, or integrating new systems
• Excellent stakeholder management skills across government, defence, and civil society
• Collaborative, solutions-focused leadership style with track record of building high-performing teams
• Understanding of or interest in AI, technology platforms, and product-led ARR-generating business models
• Commitment to using technology and behaviour change expertise to accelerate positive social and economic impact

Desirable:

• Experience with AI, data-driven tools, or SaaS platforms
• Active SC or DV security clearance (or eligibility)
• Experience in strategic communications and/or behaviour change
• Background in consulting, agency, or professional services environments

Location and Working Arrangements

London-based, with regular office attendance expected (minimum 3 days per week)

Some UK and occasional international travel required

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to lead a growing, mission-driven organisation at a pivotal moment
• Collaborative, intellectually curious team committed to positive impact
• Involvement in cutting-edge work combining behavioural science, strategic communications, and AI innovation

To Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why this role interests you and how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.