Key information:

● Location: Bristol, with UK & occasional international travel.

● Salary: £Competitive + benefits.

● Working model: On-site.

● Closing date: 5 April 2026.

TouchWood Play is a pioneering, Bristol-based business that has been designing, building and installing extraordinary natural playgrounds for over 20 years. Known for its imagination, craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainability, TouchWood creates play experiences that inspire, challenge, and connect children with the natural world.

From showstopping adventure playgrounds to immersive nature-led installations, TouchWood is one of the few organisations that controls the full journey – sourcing and processing raw materials, designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke play spaces, both in the UK and internationally. With a proud heritage, a loyal team and an ambitious plan, the business is now preparing for its next phase of growth and is seeking a commercially astute and people-centred Managing Director to lead that journey.

As Managing Director, you will:

● Shape and deliver a long-term growth strategy.

● Strengthen TouchWood’s commercial capability, including UK and international market development.

● Build efficiency, alignment and consistency across design, production, installation and operations.

● Champion innovation, R&D and bold thinking in design and product development.

● Lead, support and develop a committed team; nurture a culture that balances creativity, care and accountability.

● Provide visible, values-driven leadership with clear decision-making and strong stakeholder relationships.

We’re looking for a leader with experience in complex, multidisciplinary environments — such as bespoke manufacturing, leisure, fabrication, construction, design-build or similar project-based sectors.

The ideal candidate will bring strong commercial leadership and the ability to manage growth effectively. You will have experience working on bespoke projects with independent teams and will be confident developing new markets, including exports or distributor models. The Managing Director will bring strategic clarity and a thoughtful, person-centred leadership style. A connection to creative industries, natural materials or child-centred design would be an advantage, but above all, we seek a values-aligned leader who understands how to balance creativity and craft with commercial rigour.

Moon Executive Search is an equal opportunities employer and, on behalf of TouchWood Play, welcomes applications from all areas of society.

For further details and to apply, please contact Vanessa Moon or Simon Quinn via recruit@moonexecsearch.com quoting the applicable reference number: MC2707.

Moon Executive Search are recognised as a boutique executive search firm, supporting clients across the UK with executive search recruiting and senior management recruitment. Our work spans executive search and headhunting, with proven results across executive recruitment and exec recruitment. If you are looking to appoint a Human Resources Director or other key senior management role, explore our Build Your Board page or speak with one of our executive search consultants today.