At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee all operations for a dynamic contract furniture business in the UK.
- Company: Join a pioneering European HQ with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Be part of a global team dedicated to sustainability and innovative solutions.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in the contract furniture market while driving business success.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in the contract furniture sector and strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 120000 £ per year.
Job Title: Managing Director, UK - Contract Furniture
Salary Range: £100,000 - £120,000 (neg) + 20%-30% Bonus
Ideally based: London / South East (Clerkenwell Showroom)
Travel: 20/30% of the time
Reports to: Global Sales Director (Europe HQ) & Executive Corporate Leadership
Responsibilities:
- Control and oversee all business operations, people and ventures for the UK business, working for an international manufacturer of contract chairs, tables, and furnishings for community, work, and home.
- They sell through the A&D and dealer communities to win specifications in commercial interiors, in workplace, hospitality and higher education.
- You will be responsible for the overall success of the business, able of coordinating marketing, commercial and logistics projects in line with the indication of the HQ.
- You will have a strong commercial acumen and excellent business development capabilities, supported by a wide network of professional relationships, with a solid portfolio of contacts with dealers, A&D firms etc.
- Develop and execute the company’s business strategies in order to attain the goals of the board and shareholders
- Provide strategic advice to the board and Chairperson so that they will have accurate view of the market and the company’s future
- Prepare and implement comprehensive business plans to facilitate achievement by planning cost-effective operations and market development activities
- Ensure company policies and legal guidelines are communicated all the way from the top down in the company and that they are followed at all times
- Communicate and maintain trust relationships with shareholders, business partners and authorities
- Strengthen and expand commercial partnerships through proactive networking and relationship management.
- Oversee the company’s financial performance, investments and other business ventures
- Delegate responsibilities and supervise the work of executives providing guidance and motivation to drive maximum performance
- Read all submitted reports by lower rank managers to reward performance, prevent issues and resolve problems
- Act as the public speaker and public relations representative and ambassador of the company in ways that strengthen its profile
- Analyze problematic situations and occurrences and provide solutions to ensure company survival and growth
- Lead and motivate the UK team
Requirements:
- Must have contract furniture market leadership / directorship experience within the UK
- A deep knowledge of the market, competitors and product range it is requested.
- Possess a strong commercial flair and persuasive negotiation abilities, combined with an aptitude for developing long-term client relationships
- Demonstrable experience in designing and developing business plans
- Strong understanding of corporate finance and measures of performance
- Excellent organisational and leadership skills
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities
Company:
- European HQ
- Turnover of ~€70M, with presence in 5 continents
- 200+ employees globally, team of ~5 in UK
- Strong focus on sustainability, the first furniture company to utilise pioneering impact valuation, a methodology that quantifies social and environmental impacts in monetary terms, moving beyond traditional qualitative assessments.
Managing Director, UK - Contract Furniture in London employer: Irving Knight Group
As a leading international manufacturer of contract furniture, this company offers an exceptional work environment in the heart of London, fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, performance-based bonuses, and opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic team that values collaboration and strategic thinking. With a strong commitment to employee development and a focus on impactful business practices, this role as Managing Director provides a unique chance to shape the future of commercial interiors while making a positive difference in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director, UK - Contract Furniture in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the contract furniture industry. Attend trade shows, join relevant LinkedIn groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. We all know that who you know can sometimes matter just as much as what you know!
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with industry folks, make sure to highlight your experience and knowledge of the market. Share insights on trends or challenges you've tackled. This will position you as a thought leader and someone who truly understands the business.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its competitors. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few questions of your own to show your interest and engagement.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for job openings! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also shows your enthusiasm for being part of our team. Plus, we love seeing familiar names pop up in our applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director, UK - Contract Furniture in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Managing Director role. Highlight your experience in the contract furniture market and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your vision for the UK business and how you plan to drive success. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Network:Since building relationships is key, mention your connections within the A&D and dealer communities. We love to see how you can leverage your network to strengthen our partnerships and grow the business.
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 it gets into the right hands. Plus, we love seeing candidates who follow instructions!
How to prepare for a job interview at Irving Knight Group
✨Know Your Market Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the contract furniture market. Understand the key players, current trends, and challenges. This knowledge will not only impress but also help you articulate how your experience aligns with the company's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership approach and how you've motivated teams in the past. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to delegate effectively and drive performance, as this role requires strong organisational and leadership skills.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Since you'll be providing strategic advice to the board, think about how you've developed and executed business plans in previous roles. Be prepared to share specific strategies that led to measurable success, showcasing your commercial acumen.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Establishing trust is key, especially in a role that involves maintaining relationships with shareholders and partners. Practice active listening and engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their vision for the company and how you can contribute.
