Manufacturing
We rebuilt Mercia-backed AME-3D's sales team and provided succession optionality for founder Ian Jones.
Client
AME-3D
Industry
Manufacturing
Service
Headhunting
Private Equity
Sales Growth
Duration
2 weeks
OverView
AME Group Ltd (trading as AME‑3D) – South‑Yorkshire product‑design consultancy and low‑volume manufacturing specialist, backed by Mercia Asset Management. AME-3D's sales function was underperforming and its Incumbent CEO left for a higher‑paid post at a larger company. Founder Ian Jones stepped back in as interim CEO.
The Challenge
Simultaneous resignation of Head of Sales created an immediate revenue‑leadership gap. AME needed a senior commercial leader who could re‑energise sales now, grow into the CEO role soon. Suitable candidates were not active in the job market; sector know‑how and rapid scalability were non‑negotiable, pointing to talent inside a direct competitor.
The Solution
We mapped the micro‑pool of senior sales leaders at European additive‑manufacturing competitors within daily‑commutable distance of Sheffield. We positioned AME‑3D’s fast‑moving environment and future leadership path as a compelling alternative to large‑company bureaucracy.
The Result
Within seven days we presented only two pre‑qualified candidates, including Jamie Corden, UK Sales Manager at major international competitor Materialise, bringing 18 years of commercial and P&L leadership in additive manufacturing. Offer negotiation – because JW Markets clearly articulated the strategic upside, AME‑3D secured Jamie on like‑for‑like compensation, an almost unheard‑of outcome when poaching from a larger rival.
“JW Markets worked closely with us to understand the skills AME‑3D needs today and the leadership we’ll need tomorrow. One week later James put forward strong options, giving us the luxury of time to get to know Jamie and start his notice clock early. It was a complex mandate, but JW Markets delivered brilliantly and I’m looking forward to working with James again.”
Ian Jones
Founder & Interim CEO
