Working as a Managing Director for a leading rooflight manufacturer like Roof Maker means balancing strategic leadership with the day-to-day operations that keep the business running smoothly. Each day involves a mix of engaging with the team, driving business growth, and championing innovation to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Here’s a look at a typical day that combines these elements.
6:30 AM – 8 AM: Early Morning Routine & Planning
The day begins with family time so I can arrive at work with a clear mind and feeling energised to dive into the day. Afterward, it’s time to review the day’s agenda and go over emails. This quiet hour before the office comes to life provides a chance to prioritise tasks and think through strategic objectives for the day.
9 AM – 9:30 AM: Daily Team Huddle
Once at the office, the day kicks off with a quick team huddle, bringing together department heads from operations, sales, marketing, and customer service. This meeting is essential for aligning our priorities, addressing any immediate issues, and fostering cross-departmental communication. As Managing Director, it’s critical to ensure everyone feels connected to the bigger picture and that any obstacles can be tackled collaboratively.
Leadership Focus: Emphasising transparency and open communication during these meetings helps maintain a cohesive, motivated team culture and keeps everyone aligned with the company’s mission and values.
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Strategic Growth Planning
With the team briefed, it’s time to dive into strategic planning sessions, either with senior leaders or the business founders. This part of the day focuses on long-term objectives—whether that’s expanding Roof Maker’s product lines, improving supply chain efficiency, or exploring new market opportunities. As the company grows, strategic planning also involves managing partnerships and building relationships with key suppliers and industry stakeholders.
Growth & Innovation Focus: Keeping a finger on the pulse of market trends in rooflights and skylights helps inform future product development. Whether it’s integrating energy-efficient technology into designs or researching the latest in sustainable materials, Roof Maker is committed to staying at the cutting edge.
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Operations & Production Review
A key part of the day involves checking in with the operations and factory team. Here, I can assess the efficiency of the manufacturing processes, identify any bottlenecks, and ensure quality standards are being met. If there’s an issue with supply, quality control, or fulfilment, these are handled in real-time to keep orders on track.
Day-to-Day Operations: This hands-on involvement in production not only helps to troubleshoot any immediate challenges but also fosters a strong relationship with the operations team. It shows the importance of every role in achieving Roof Maker’s high-quality standards and reputation in the industry.
12:30 PM – 1 PM: Lunch Break & Market Research
After a busy morning, a brief lunch break provides a moment to recharge and catch up on industry news, competitor activities, and emerging trends. This time also allows for networking calls or brief catch-ups with industry peers. Staying informed and connected to the broader market landscape is essential for fostering innovation and anticipating changes that could impact the business.
1 PM – 2:00 PM: Innovation & Product Development Meeting
Innovation is at the core of Roof Maker’s brand, and a key part of the Managing Director’s role is to inspire and lead the product development team toward new ideas and improvements. In these sessions, discussions might range from brainstorming new product features, such as smart technology for rooflights, to evaluating the progress of ongoing projects.
Innovation Focus: A strong emphasis on sustainable design is part of Roof Maker’s mission, so product discussions often focus on improving energy efficiency and eco-friendliness. This aligns with the company’s goal to provide customers with rooflights that not only enhance natural light but also reduce energy costs.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Financial Review & Budget Analysis
As the afternoon progresses, it’s time to review financial performance. This involves going over sales reports, monitoring cash flow, and analysing budgets to ensure that the company is on track to meet its financial goals. Making data-driven decisions is crucial for the company’s growth, so I work closely with the finance team to track progress and adjust budgets as necessary.
Business Growth Focus: Regularly reviewing financials allows for proactive decision-making, whether it’s reallocating resources to high-growth areas or making cost-saving adjustments. Maintaining financial health is a cornerstone of sustainable growth.
4:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Customer Relations & Quality Assurance
In the final hours of the workday, I often meet with the customer service team to address any major customer concerns or receive feedback on product performance. Customer satisfaction is crucial in a product-based industry like rooflight manufacturing, so listening to feedback and continuously improving products and processes is a top priority.
Customer-Centric Approach: Building trust and delivering exceptional customer service is essential to maintaining Roof Maker’s reputation. As Managing Director, it’s important to lead by example and show that customer satisfaction is a top priority for the entire team.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Reflecting and Wrapping Up
As the day winds down, there’s time for a brief review of the day’s achievements and any pending tasks. A few final emails are sent, and tomorrow’s agenda is outlined to stay prepared. Taking a few moments to reflect on the day helps in refining strategies and setting clear goals for continuous improvement.
Leadership Reflections: Ending the day with a focus on accomplishments and lessons learned is a key habit for leading with intention. It reinforces a growth mindset and encourages a commitment to excellence.
6:30 PM: Heading Home
After a full day, it’s time to step away from work, returning home with a sense of fulfilment and a fresh perspective for the challenges that await tomorrow.
