General Manager

Direct message the job poster from Wilson Brook Consulting

Based just south of Bedford

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established regional B2B distribution business and lead its next phase of growth across a large, diverse and highly competitive market. It is part of an international, privately owned group.

The business is operationally sound and well invested
, with strong infrastructure, modern facilities and a loyal customer base already in place. With the right General Manager, there is clear scope to grow turnover profitably
, increase value-added sales and build a stronger, more energised team.

You will operate in an autonomous, non-bureaucratic environment
, with full P&L ownership and the freedom to run the business as your own, supported by experienced senior leadership when required.

• Regional B2B distribution business
• Serves multiple sectors including industrial, engineering, sign & display, exhibition and vehicle-related markets
• Large trading area (c.44-mile radius) with significant headroom
• Modern site with recent investment in processing equipment and delivery capability
• Strong platform in place – the opportunity is to drive commercial performance and growth

You are likely to have a successful track record of profitably running and growing a B2B business in roles such as General Manager, Branch Manager, Branch Director, Sales Director or Managing Director.

Specific product or sector knowledge is not essential
. Candidates may come from wholesale, trade merchanting, distribution or other B2B environments.

• Be comfortable operating with high autonomy and limited corporate structure
• Take a proactive, common-sense, sleeves-rolled-up approach
• Be customer-facing and enjoy this aspect of the role
• Communicate clearly and positively, including having difficult conversations when required
• Bring energy, resilience and tenacity to a demanding but rewarding role
• Lead from the front, inspiring and engaging teams through change
• Be commercially and financially astute, with a strong understanding of P&L and margins

This is a sales-led leadership role
. Someone purely operational will struggle.

• Grow turnover profitably across existing and new customers
• Increase value-added sales and margin discipline
• Protect and deepen key customer relationships
• Recruit, develop and engage a high-performing team
• Fully utilise the site’s facilities and capabilities
• Identify opportunities for investment and growth in adjacent products and services
• Maintain high standards of health & safety and operational compliance

You must live within a reasonable commuting distance of Bedford (or be willing to relocate).

There will be local travel as part of the role.

This is not a work-from-home role – presence and visibility on site are critical.

• Be your own boss within a supportive, long-term ownership structure
• Build a winning, customer-focused culture
• Be rewarded directly for performance and growth
• Leave a lasting mark on a business with real potential

Please apply via Linked In or email a CV to