Managing Director | Kent, South East England | Import and Distribution | Newly Established Platform Business
Beaumont Bailey has been exclusively retained to appoint a Managing Director for a newly established materials import, storage and distribution business serving the South East of England and London.
The business operates from a modern deep-water terminal on the Thames Estuary, a significant infrastructure investment commissioned in 2024. The site handles large bulk vessels, holds substantial storage capacity, and was built to strengthen supply resilience in a structurally constrained regional market.
It is owned by well established industrial shareholders, bringing extensive UK market reach and distribution capability as well as international production and global sourcing strength.
Following its first period of operation, the business is entering an important phase of its development, with a clear focus on commercial growth, operational performance and building a platform capable of delivering sustainable, long-term value.
Reporting to the Board, the incoming Managing Director will take full responsibility for the commercial and operational performance of the business. The mandate is to grow revenue and customer penetration across the region, optimise asset utilisation and throughput, and build and strengthen the operational disciplines of a business.
The role suits a hands-on leader who is comfortable taking ownership of complex operational challenges, creating accountability throughout the organisation, and delivering measurable improvement across operations, logistics and commercial execution.
Key priorities will include:
- Driving revenue growth and customer penetration across the South East and London
- Developing long-term partnerships with major industrial customers
- Leading a complex import, storage and distribution operation safely and efficiently
- Optimising asset utilisation, throughput and marine logistics performance
- Embedding a strong safety culture, compliance and operational governance across the site
- Working closely with both shareholders to execute the plan and report with clarity
The successful candidate is likely to be an existing Managing Director, General Manager or Commercial Director within building materials, bulk handling or a related heavy industrial environment. We would also welcome conversations with commercially strong operational leaders who have run a major site or terminal and are ready to step into full P&L ownership.
Candidates should be able to demonstrate:
- A track record of P&L ownership within an asset-intensive industrial business
- Deep operational understanding of logistics, storage and materials handling
- Commercial credibility with major B2B customers and the ability to grow an order book
- Strong safety, health and environmental discipline
- Financial literacy, with the ability to interpret and act on performance data
The role is based in Kent and requires a highly visible leadership presence within the operation as well as travel across the South of England.
Alongside a competitive executive package, comprising base salary, performance-related bonus and benefits, the appointment offers the opportunity to lead and shape a newly created business from its earliest stage.
For a confidential discussion, please contact Beaumont Bailey.
Senior Director/Executive Director in Kent employer: Beaumont Bailey
Beaumont Bailey offers an exceptional work environment for the Managing Director role, characterised by a culture of innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from significant equity participation, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment to the company's strategic growth. Located in a dynamic sector, this position provides ample opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the industrial technology landscape.
