At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead daily operations, build scalable processes, and drive team performance in a growing e-commerce business.
- Company: Funky Chalk, a leading UK supplier in the snooker and pool industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, and clear progression opportunities towards Managing Director level.
- Why this job: Take ownership of operations and make a real impact in a fast-paced, owner-led environment.
- Qualifications: Experience scaling an owner-led SME and strong commercial/financial acumen.
- Other info: Direct access to the Founder and a chance to shape the business's future.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 ÂŁ per year.
Have you got what it takes to succeed? The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.
Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 DOE + performance bonus
Location: Leeds (On-site, full-time)
Reports to: Founder
You must have led an owner-led SME through a growth phase — hiring, improving structure, and maintaining performance while scaling.
About Funky Chalk
Funky Chalk is a leading UK supplier in the snooker & pool industry, with our own portfolio of brands including Baize Master, Jonny 8 Ball, PRO147 and Kudos. We sell across our own webstores and major marketplaces, serving both retail and B2B trade customers. We’re an operationally driven, owner-led business with a strong product range, loyal customers, and big ambitions for the next phase of growth. We’re investing in better systems, stronger stock control, tighter service delivery, and a more scalable operating rhythm.
The Opportunity
We’re hiring a hands-on, high-calibre General Manager to take day-to-day ownership of the business — bringing structure, pace and accountability across operations, stock, service delivery, people performance and supplier outcomes. This is not a corporate “reporting-only” GM role. You’ll be close to the detail, lead from the front, and build a high-performing team that delivers consistently day in, day out. You’ll work directly with the Founder as a trusted second-in-command, translating vision into clear priorities, measurable KPIs, and consistent execution. As the business scales, this role is expected to evolve into a broader leadership position with increased commercial ownership — with genuine opportunity for the right candidate to progress toward Managing Director level.
Key Responsibilities
- Own the day-to-day running of the business: pace, priorities, standards, delivery
- Build and embed scalable processes, SOPs and operating rhythms
- Recruit, lead and develop the team through growth
- Drive stock accuracy and warehouse discipline through strong WMS adoption
- Improve fulfilment speed and accuracy across all channels (retail + trade)
- Own supplier performance and purchasing discipline to improve availability and margin
- Maintain strong commercial and financial grip (KPIs, cost control, cashflow awareness)
- Drive sales, marketing and margin by aligning activity with stock and capacity
About You
Essential
- Scaled an owner-led SME through growth (hiring, structure, performance)
- Senior GM / Ops Lead / Site Lead in e-commerce, distribution or multi-channel retail
- Strong commercial/financial grip (budgets, costs, margin, cashflow awareness)
- Understands Shopify/Amazon/eBay ops drivers (non-technical)
- Builds process, standards and accountability without bureaucracy
Personal
- Hands-on, systems-minded, commercially sharp, calm under pressure
- Trusted #2 who can run the operational heartbeat day-to-day
Desirable
- Snooker/pool/cue sports interest (bonus, not essential)
What You’ll Get
- A true leadership role with real autonomy to improve performance and build structure
- Direct access to the Founder and the ability to shape how the business runs day-to-day
- Clear progression potential as the company grows — increased commercial ownership over time, with the opportunity to progress toward Managing Director level
How to Apply
Apply via CV Library with your CV and a short note covering:
- Why you’re a strong fit for a hands-on GM role in an SME e-commerce/distribution business, and
- One example of how you improved performance in a growing business (people, process, systems or commercial), and the measurable result
General Manager - E-Commerce & Operations (Owner-Led SME) employer: Funky Chalk LTD
Contact Detail:
Funky Chalk LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - E-Commerce & Operations (Owner-Led SME)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the e-commerce and operations space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand Funky Chalk’s products, values, and growth ambitions. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your past roles, highlight specific examples where you’ve led teams, improved processes, or driven performance. Use metrics to back up your achievements – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Funky Chalk and ready to take on the challenge of scaling an owner-led SME.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - E-Commerce & Operations (Owner-Led SME)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the General Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading an owner-led SME through growth phases, focusing on hiring, structure, and performance improvements. We want to see how you’ve made a real impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Note: In your cover note, clearly explain why you’re a strong fit for this hands-on GM role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that align with our needs at Funky Chalk. Remember, we love a good story about how you’ve driven performance!
Showcase Measurable Results: When discussing your achievements, focus on measurable results. Whether it’s improving processes or boosting team performance, we want to see numbers that back up your claims. This helps us understand the impact you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We’re excited to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Funky Chalk LTD
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate a strong commercial grip. Brush up on your financial metrics, KPIs, and how they relate to the business's growth. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets and improved margins in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role is all about being hands-on, so prepare to share concrete examples of how you've led teams through growth phases. Highlight your experience in hiring, structuring operations, and maintaining performance while scaling. Make it clear that you thrive in an action-focused environment.
✨Understand E-commerce Operations
Funky Chalk is looking for someone who understands the ins and outs of e-commerce. Familiarise yourself with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay, and be prepared to discuss how you've driven operational improvements in these areas. Show that you can translate operational challenges into actionable solutions.
✨Connect with the Founder’s Vision
Since you'll be working closely with the Founder, it's crucial to align with their vision for the business. Research Funky Chalk and its brands, and think about how you can contribute to their growth. Be ready to discuss how you can translate that vision into clear priorities and measurable outcomes.