Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a fast-paced B2B ecommerce business and transition to CEO within 24 months.
- Company: Established ecommerce company seeking a dynamic General Manager.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a thriving business and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in management, preferably in B2B ecommerce.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Harrow (Onsite) with travel as required
About the Opportunity
This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a seasoned leader to join an established, fast-paced B2B ecommerce / wholesale business not as a caretaker, but as the successor. With the current CEO preparing for retirement, we are seeking an accomplished and driven General Manager to join the business with a clear mandate: over a 12 to 24-month period, you will transition from General Manager to UK CEO. You must have experience operating at General Manager level within a UK ecommerce business, with a proven track record managing/operating within a turnover of £150 million or more in a large-scale environment. You will be stepping into a high-growth environment, taking full ownership of UK operations from day one. This role is designed for a proven leader who can balance the rigour of operational excellence with the vision required to drive a business forward. You will be expected to learn the intricacies of the business quickly, demonstrate your leadership capability, and earn the right to take the helm.
The Role
As General Manager (CEO Designate), you will be based at the head office while overseeing a multi-site operation. You will have full Profit & Loss responsibility and will lead all commercial and operational aspects of the UK business. Your mission is to drive growth, optimise costs, and inspire a high-performing team, all while preparing to assume the ultimate leadership position.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Governance - Succession Pathway: Immerse yourself in all aspects of the UK business to seamlessly transition from General Manager to CEO, taking on increasing strategic responsibility as delegated by the outgoing CEO.
- Commercial Strategy: Collaborate with HQ and the current CEO to formulate the annual budget. Translate high-level financial goals into actionable, measurable monthly business objectives that drive sustainable growth.
- Risk & Compliance: Act as the senior point of contact for legal defence and crisis management. Review and execute key service contracts, ensuring full compliance with company policies and UK regulatory standards.
- Operational & Cost Optimisation - Cost Management: Lead negotiations and monitor improvements across the supply chain cost base. This includes platform fees, courier charges, labour outsourcing, customs clearance, and truck delivery fees to drive efficiency and protect margins.
- Warehouse & Logistics: Oversee warehouse inspections and operational standards across all UK sites. Manage key initiatives related to labour outsourcing, third-party platform partnerships, and the handling of unsalable product.
- Marketplace Performance: Monitor and optimise performance across key marketplace platforms to maximise sales channels and brand presence.
- Financial & Performance Management - Budgeting & Analysis: Take ownership of the financial planning process, overseeing the breakdown and execution of the budget to ensure financial targets are met.
- Incentive Structures: Oversee management performance, conducting quarterly bonus assessments. Recommend and implement improvements to incentive and compensation policies to drive performance and retain top talent.
- Team Leadership & Culture - Organisational Planning: Oversee quarterly workforce planning to ensure the business has the right resource to meet demand. Manage the recruitment process, including interviewing senior hires.
- Cultural Stewardship: Foster and promote a positive, high-performance culture across the entire UK branch. Lead by example with a hands‑on, visible approach that motivates teams at all levels.
- Project & Change Management - Infrastructure Development: Oversee the operational aspects of office and warehouse facilities. Provide strategic oversight on the implementation of new procedures and critical IT developments to support scaling of the business.
- Cross-Functional Execution: Take ownership of ad-hoc projects and duties assigned by HQ or the Group General Manager, ensuring alignment with the broader group strategy.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (Master’s/MBA preferred).
- Experience: Minimum 10+ years of professional experience, with at least 5+ years in a senior management role.
- Industry Knowledge: Proven track record in consumer products retailing, with a strong preference for candidates from the B2B ecommerce / wholesale industry.
- Functional Expertise: Commercially savvy with a working knowledge of marketing, accounting, and human resources principles.
The Successor:
You are not just looking for a job; you are looking for a legacy. You have the ambition and capability to step into a CEO role within two years.
Hands‑On Leader: Highly motivated and action‑oriented. You are comfortable being hands‑on where needed but have the strategic foresight to delegate and lead.
Resilient & Adaptable: Thrives under pressure in a fast‑paced environment and can manage competing priorities across multiple sites.
Communicator: Possesses excellent communication skills, capable of influencing stakeholders at all levels, from warehouse staff to board‑level executives.
Executive Recruit is a boutique executive search firm specialising in helping organisations source and attract top‑tier leadership talent. With a tailored approach, we partner with businesses to identify high‑calibre executives who drive growth and transformation. Our expertise ensures clients find the right blend of experience and acumen to strengthen leadership and board effectiveness.
General Manager (CEO) employer: Executive Recruit
Contact Detail:
Executive Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (CEO)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry leaders, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that CEO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills in every conversation. Whether it's a casual chat or a formal interview, make sure to highlight your experience in managing teams and driving growth. We want to see that you can inspire others!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company inside out. Understand their culture, values, and current challenges. This will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate that you're the perfect fit for the General Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager (CEO)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Skills: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. We want to see how you've successfully managed teams and driven growth in previous roles, especially in a fast-paced B2B ecommerce environment.
Be Specific About Your Achievements: Use concrete examples to demonstrate your impact. Whether it's optimising costs or improving operational efficiency, we love seeing numbers and results that showcase your capabilities.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application speaks directly to the role of General Manager (CEO Designate). Use the job description as a guide to align your skills and experiences with what we're looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Executive Recruit
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's history, values, and current market position. Understand their products, services, and any recent news or changes in the industry. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
As a potential General Manager, you need to showcase your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've successfully driven growth or optimised operations in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific metrics and outcomes that highlight your impact on the business.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on leader who can inspire teams. Think about your leadership style and prepare anecdotes that illustrate how you've motivated teams, managed conflicts, and fostered a positive culture. Highlight your approach to organisational planning and how you've successfully navigated change.
✨Prepare for Tough Questions
Expect questions about risk management, compliance, and financial oversight. Be prepared to discuss how you've handled crises or legal challenges in the past. Practising your responses to these tough questions will help you feel more confident and articulate during the interview.