At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a thriving food distribution business and drive operational excellence.
- Company: Established UK-based trading and distribution business with strong brand recognition.
- Benefits: Six-figure salary, generous benefits package, and real autonomy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement within a supportive group network.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by modernising processes and driving sales growth.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in trading or distribution environments.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 € per year.
We are looking for an experienced Managing Director to lead an established, UK-based trading and distribution business operating across the South West region. Don't miss this rare opportunity to lead a well-established independent business with real autonomy, supported by the strength and scale of a wider group network.
Our client is a food distribution business with strong brand recognition and strong customer partnerships. Having evolved through sustained growth and operational expansion, they now require a commercially astute and operationally strong senior leader who can bring clarity, cohesion and disciplined execution to a well-established business unit. This appointment will play a key role in supporting the continued modernisation of the business, driving sales growth, and embedding more effective, contemporary processes across the operation. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for improving communication, strengthening internal cohesion, and ensuring greater consistency and accountability across teams.
Key Responsibilities- Define and implement a clear regional strategy aligned with Group objectives
- Lead and develop a cohesive senior leadership team
- Strengthen operational performance across warehouse, logistics, supply chain, finance and commercial functions
- Modernise systems, reporting structures and internal workflows
- Introduce robust KPI frameworks and performance rhythms
- Drive margin discipline alongside sustainable revenue performance
- Remove cross-functional inefficiencies and improve organisational alignment
- Embed a culture of accountability, ownership and continuous improvement
This role requires a proven senior leader who is equally comfortable setting strategic direction and engaging closely with operational delivery. You will demonstrate:
- Experience holding full P&L accountability within a trading, distribution, food, FMCG or similarly operationally intensive environment
- A strong track record of improving operational performance and modernising internal processes
- The ability to create clarity of direction and align teams behind shared objectives
- Commercial acumen with disciplined financial management capability
- Experience operating within a group structure while leading a standalone business
- Strong leadership presence and credibility at senior stakeholder level
- A pragmatic and structured approach to execution
As MD, you will be visible, decisive, and able to build cohesion across functions, introducing structure where needed, and delivering sustainable improvement. This opportunity will suit a commercially minded and operationally credible leader who thrives on creating structure, alignment and sustainable business improvement.
If this sounds like you, apply today. This role comes with a generous remuneration package and benefits. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates under confidentiality.
How to apply for the role:If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to complete your application and provide any other supporting documents. You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies please.
Managing Director employer: hirepeople.ai
Join a well-established food distribution business in the South West, where you will have the autonomy to lead and modernise operations while being supported by a robust group network. Our company fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, offering a competitive six-figure salary and benefits package, alongside significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Managing Director role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their operations, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in leading their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved operational performance or led teams to success. This will demonstrate your capability and fit for the role of Managing Director.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
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 P&L accountability and operational performance, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and strategic thinking.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for modernising processes and driving sales growth. Be authentic and let your personality shine through while keeping it professional.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your achievements! Use metrics and data to demonstrate how you’ve improved operational performance or led successful projects in previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Follow Application Instructions:Make sure to follow the application instructions carefully. Apply through our website and check your inbox for any further steps. We appreciate attention to detail, so ensure all required documents are included!
How to prepare for a job interview at hirepeople.ai
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly research the food distribution business. Understand their market position, key competitors, and recent developments. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your commercial acumen and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the company's culture. Share specific examples of how you've built cohesive teams and improved operational performance in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to lead and develop a senior leadership team effectively.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
As a Managing Director, you'll need to define and implement strategies. Think about how you would align regional strategies with group objectives. Be ready to discuss your vision for modernising processes and driving sales growth, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Financial Savvy
Since the role involves P&L accountability, brush up on your financial management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, driven margin discipline, and improved revenue performance in past positions. This will reassure them of your capability to handle the financial aspects of the business.
