At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a new UK food distribution business from the ground up.
- Company: Exciting startup specialising in premium turkey products with strong international backing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-related bonuses, and growth potential.
- Other info: Home-based initially, with plans for future warehouse and manufacturing capabilities.
- Why this job: Be a foundational leader in a dynamic industry with significant growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Strong financial literacy and experience in import/export operations preferred.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our client has an exciting opportunity for a Managing Director to lead a newly established UK food distribution business.
Location: Initially home-based (UK). Future base likely near London / Midlands (with access to key ports such as Felixstowe and Tilbury).
Salary: Circa £90K
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
About The Company
Our client is establishing a new UK-based food distribution business specialising in the import and distribution of premium turkey products. The company will operate as the exclusive UK distributor for one of Europe’s largest vertically integrated turkey producers, with EU-approved facilities and BRC, ISO and Halal certifications. The supplying producer operates large-scale slaughter, cutting and production facilities, employing approximately 1,300 staff and producing 1,400-1,500 tonnes of turkey meat per month. Over 300 tonnes are already supplied into the UK market each month through existing trade relationships with processors, wholesalers, HORECA and retail clients. The UK business is being incorporated and will launch with a small initial team. The plan is to begin using third-party cold storage facilities before scaling to a dedicated warehouse and, in time, establishing a UK manufacturing facility producing value-added turkey products. This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a UK operation from inception, with secure supply and strong international backing.
Managing Director - The Role
This is a foundational leadership role, responsible for establishing and overseeing all UK operations. As statutory Company Director, you will ensure the business is financially robust, legally compliant and operationally efficient. The Managing Director will not be expected to lead day-to-day sales generation; dedicated sales staff will drive business development. Instead, the focus of this role is operational, financial and regulatory leadership, ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support sustainable growth. You will initially operate from a home-based setting, with responsibility for identifying and establishing suitable cold storage and future warehouse premises in strategically located distribution hubs.
Managing Director - Key Responsibilities
- Full financial oversight, including budgeting, cashflow management and cost control
- Ensuring legal and regulatory compliance (company filings, tax, food safety, import regulations)
- Overseeing customs and import compliance, working alongside appointed customs brokers
- Contract review, negotiation support and ongoing contract management
- Maintaining accurate documentation and record-keeping systems
- Liaising with accountants, lawyers, regulatory authorities and logistics partners
- Coordinating shipping, cold storage and transport arrangements
- Supervising and developing the UK team (initially 1-2 sales staff)
- Identifying and establishing appropriate storage and, in time, warehouse/manufacturing premises
- Acting as the key operational liaison with the overseas supplier
Managing Director - You
- Strong financial literacy with experience overseeing budgets and financial controls
- Sound understanding of legal frameworks, commercial contracts and regulatory compliance
- Experience in import/export operations, chilled food distribution or FMCG supply chains preferred
- Knowledge of customs procedures and food safety compliance highly advantageous
- Experience leading and developing small teams
- Comfortable operating autonomously whilst coordinating internationally
- Strong organisational and documentation skills
- High attention to detail
Managing Director - Personality Profile
- Highly organised and detail-oriented
- Reliable, discreet and trustworthy
- Confident communicator, able to liaise effectively with international stakeholders and UK partners
- Calm and methodical under pressure
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a long-term growth perspective
Managing Director - The Opportunity
- Lead and shape a UK business from formation
- Secure and consistent supply from a large-scale, certified European producer
- Competitive pricing advantage compared to other European suppliers
- Direct relationship with the producer (no intermediaries)
- Significant growth potential as UK volumes increase
- Long-term ambition to build warehouse and manufacturing capability in the UK
A competitive salary is anticipated for a suitably experienced candidate, with performance-related bonus linked to operational success and growth milestones. To submit your CV for this confidential Managing Director opportunity, please apply in confidence.
Managing Director employer: Elliot Marsh
Join a leading education services provider in London, where your expertise as an Education Delivery Manager will directly impact the lives of children and young people needing alternative educational support. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and educational excellence, our client offers a collaborative work culture, competitive salary, and hybrid working arrangements, alongside ongoing professional development opportunities that empower you to grow and lead within a purpose-driven organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, values, and market position. This will help us tailor our responses and show we’re genuinely interested in leading their new venture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. This will help us refine our answers and boost our confidence when discussing our operational and financial expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Plus, it shows our enthusiasm for the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Managing Director role. Highlight your experience in financial oversight, legal compliance, and operational leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with the exciting opportunity to lead a new UK food distribution business.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for the company and how your entrepreneurial mindset can help shape its future. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on roles that involved import/export operations or chilled food distribution. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of the supply chain, so make sure to highlight any relevant achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elliot Marsh
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Managing Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial literacy. Brush up on budgeting, cash flow management, and cost control strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles.
✨Understand the Legal Landscape
Familiarise yourself with legal frameworks, commercial contracts, and regulatory compliance relevant to food distribution. Prepare examples of how you've navigated these areas in past positions, as this will show your readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves overseeing a small team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share specific instances where you've developed teams or led projects, highlighting your ability to operate autonomously while coordinating with others.
✨Research the Company and Market
Dive deep into the company’s background and the UK food distribution market. Understand their unique selling points and challenges. This knowledge will help you ask insightful questions and demonstrate your genuine interest in leading their new venture.
