Business Manager – B2B Distribution in Shefford

A well-established UK B2B distributor of branded consumer batteries is seeking an experienced Business Manager to take full ownership of a high-potential business unit with national coverage. Operating within a decentralised structure, this role offers genuine autonomy, full P&L responsibility, and the opportunity to shape both business performance and personal earning potential. This fast-growing profit centre supports a wide range of customers, including public sector organisations, wholesalers, trade professionals, hospitality, and commercial clients. With strong supplier relationships, a stable team, and significant opportunities for expansion, this is an exceptional opportunity for a commercially driven leader.

Purpose of the Role

The Business Manager will have total accountability for business direction, performance, and profitability. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team, drive sales growth, strengthen supplier partnerships, and ensure operational excellence across all areas of the business. This is a hands-on, autonomous leadership role for someone with the commercial drive to scale a business and maximise results.

Operational Responsibilities

• P&L Ownership & Financial Performance: Take full responsibility for turnover, gross profit, operating costs, and overall financial results. Set annual forecasts and strategic targets, monitoring performance through KPIs.
• Sales Growth & Market Development: Develop and deliver the sales and marketing strategy. Grow existing accounts and identify new market opportunities.
• Supplier & Manufacturer Relationship Management: Act as a senior UK commercial contact for global consumer battery brands. Negotiate pricing, product ranges, supply agreements, service levels, and annual trading terms.
• Operational Leadership: Oversee warehouse, logistics, stock management, administration, and operations teams. Ensure high service levels, supply continuity, and process improvements. Lead, coach, and develop the sales team; recruit future talent as needed.
• Compliance & Technical Oversight: Ensure full compliance with UK/EU battery regulations (including WEEE, POPs, PPN 06/21, packaging, labelling, waste management). Maintain ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 processes for quality, supplier control, and environmental management.

Key Deliverables

• Consistent year-on-year growth in turnover, gross profit, and operational income.
• Achievement of forecast commitments.
• Full regulatory compliance.
• Increased market share.
• Strong and strategically aligned supplier partnerships.
• High service levels (OTIF, stock accuracy, delivery performance).
• High team engagement supported by structured KPIs and operational discipline.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience owning a P&L.
• Proven track record of growing B2B sales in competitive markets.
• Highly driven, self-motivated, and accountable.
• Commercially astute, analytical, organised, and sales-focused.
• Confident leader with coaching and team-development skills.
• Experience working with consumer or industrial battery categories (advantageous).
• Skilled negotiator with experience managing customer and supplier relationships.
• Clear communicator able to work with stakeholders at all levels.

Ready to Lead a High-Potential Profit Centre? If you’re commercially driven, motivated by ownership, and excited by the opportunity to shape and scale a business with real autonomy, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.