At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead UK operations and prepare for CEO role within two years.
- Company: Dynamic B2B eCommerce business with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, healthcare, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of a leading business.
- Why this job: Take ownership and drive significant change in a thriving company.
- Qualifications: 10 years experience, 5 years at GM level in eCommerce.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 115000 £ per year.
Location: Ealing (Onsite) with UK travel as required
Salary: £85,000 - £115,000 (negotiable) Car allowance, Healthcare, Performance Bonus, and Significant Annual Executive Bonus
The Opportunity
This is not a caretaker role. It is a launchpad. An established, high-velocity B2B eCommerce and wholesale business is preparing for its next chapter. With the current CEO planning retirement, we are seeking a board-ready leader to join as General Manager with a clear and accelerated path to UK CEO.
We need someone who has already operated at GM level in a UK eCommerce business, with direct P&L responsibility for a turnover of £150M in a large-scale, multi-site environment.
You will take full ownership of UK operations from day one, learning the mechanics of the business, earning the trust of the team, and proving you have the strategic grip and commercial instinct to take the helm.
The Role
As General Manager (CEO Designate), you will be based at our Ealing head office and oversee a multi-site UK operation. Your mandate is twofold: deliver exceptional commercial and operational performance now, while systematically preparing to assume the CEO role within two years.
You will balance rigour with vision, optimising costs, driving growth, building culture, and positioning the business for its next stage of scaling.
- Strategic Leadership & Succession Pathway: Work alongside the outgoing CEO to absorb full strategic, operational, and governance responsibilities over a defined 12-24 month transition.
- Act as the senior decision-maker for legal defence, crisis management, and UK regulatory compliance.
- Review and execute key service contracts, protecting the business commercially and legally.
- Lead the annual budget process in collaboration with HQ and the CEO, translating group-level financial goals into measurable monthly business objectives.
- Own full P&L performance, including quarterly bonus assessments and ongoing refinement of incentive structures to retain and motivate top talent.
- Drive sustainable growth by balancing revenue generation with cost discipline.
- Lead high-stakes negotiations across the supply chain cost base: platform fees, courier charges, labour outsourcing, customs clearance, and trucking.
- Oversee warehouse standards and logistics performance across all UK sites.
- Manage third-party marketplace performance, ensuring maximum channel efficiency and brand reach.
- Own quarterly workforce planning, ensuring resource aligns with demand.
- Lead senior hiring and support ongoing leadership development.
- Champion a high-performance, inclusive culture visible, hands-on, and motivating across warehouse floor to boardroom.
- Provide strategic oversight for office and warehouse infrastructure, plus critical IT developments to support scaling.
- Lead ad-hoc projects from HQ or Group GM, ensuring alignment with broader group strategy.
Experience
- 10 years professional experience, with 5 years at senior management / GM level in a UK-based eCommerce business.
- Proven track record managing a turnover of £100M in a large-scale, multi-site environment.
- Working knowledge of marketing, accounting, and HR principles.
- Bachelors degree required; Masters/MBA strongly preferred.
- You aren't looking for a job. You're looking for a legacy. You intend to be CEO within two years.
- Comfortable digging into detail when needed, but always with an eye on the horizon.
- Thrives under pressure in a fast-paced, multi-site environment.
- Able to influence from warehouse team to board level.
As a specialist boutique executive search firm, Executive Recruit partners with organisations to secure the calibre of leadership that drives meaningful change. Our bespoke methodology ensures clients access exceptional executives who combine strategic vision with proven execution, ultimately strengthening leadership depth and board performance.
General Manager (CEO Designate) in Greenford employer: Executive Recruit
As a General Manager (CEO Designate) at our Ealing headquarters, you will be part of a dynamic and high-velocity B2B eCommerce business poised for significant growth. We offer a competitive salary package, including a car allowance, healthcare, and performance bonuses, alongside a culture that champions inclusivity and high performance. With a clear pathway to CEO within two years, this role provides unparalleled opportunities for professional development and leadership impact in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (CEO Designate) in Greenford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry leaders, attend events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that General Manager 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 CEO mindset!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tough questions! Brush up on your knowledge of P&L management and operational strategies. We need to know you can handle the pressure and make strategic decisions from day one.
✨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 Designate) in Greenford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Leadership Style:When writing your application, let us see your unique leadership style shine through. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and managed teams in previous roles, especially in eCommerce settings.
Be Clear About Your Vision:We want to know how you plan to take the helm as CEO. Outline your vision for the company and how you intend to balance operational performance with strategic growth in your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience managing large-scale operations and P&L responsibilities. We’re looking for someone who has a proven track record, so don’t hold back on those impressive figures!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to connect and start the conversation about your future with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Executive Recruit
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your grasp of P&L management. Brush up on the financials of your previous roles, especially any turnover figures and budget management. Be ready to discuss how you've driven growth and managed costs in a multi-site environment.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
This role is all about balancing immediate operational performance with long-term strategic goals. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams through transitions or significant changes. Highlight your ability to think ahead and position a business for scaling.
✨Cultural Fit is Key
The company is looking for someone who can champion a high-performance culture. Think about how you've built and maintained team morale in past roles. Be ready to share specific strategies you've used to motivate teams and foster inclusivity.
✨Prepare for High-Stakes Scenarios
Given the responsibilities around crisis management and legal compliance, be prepared to discuss how you've handled challenging situations in the past. Think of examples where you had to make tough decisions under pressure and how you navigated those complexities.
