At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a premium consumer brand, driving growth and strategy across multiple channels.
- Company: Join a dynamic PE-backed consumer goods business with exciting expansion plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, equity opportunities, and private health cover.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and be part of an ambitious team aiming for European market success.
- Why this job: Take charge of a major brand and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 10-15 years in leadership roles within consumer goods or retail, with strong P&L experience.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 € per year.
NextStep connects top consulting talent with high-potential opportunities through smart, AI-powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact. On behalf of a client in our partner network, we are currently looking for a General Manager to join their team.
Our client is a PE-backed premium consumer goods business headquartered in London, operating a portfolio of well-loved lifestyle and nutrition brands sold across DTC, retail, and foodservice channels in the UK and Europe. Backed by a consumer-focused growth equity fund, the business has revenues of £45m and is entering its most ambitious phase of expansion, launching into three new European markets and building a direct-to-consumer capability from scratch. The General Manager will lead the largest brand in the portfolio and report directly to the Group CEO.
As General Manager, you will have full accountability for the brand, including P&L ownership, commercial strategy, team leadership, and operational delivery. This is a rare opportunity to run a real business with meaningful scale, real autonomy, and the resources of a well-capitalised PE-backed group behind you.
What You'll Do
- Own the full P&L for the brand, including revenue, margin, and EBITDA targets agreed with the Group CEO and PE sponsor.
- Define and execute the brand's commercial strategy across DTC, retail, and foodservice channels in the UK and target European markets.
- Lead and develop a team of 25, spanning commercial, marketing, operations, and supply chain.
- Drive the European market entry programme, building the channel strategy, identifying distribution partners, and managing the launch timeline.
- Partner with Group functions (Finance, Procurement, HR) while maintaining the agility and culture of an entrepreneurial brand business.
What We're Looking For
- 10–15 years of experience, with at least 3 years in a General Manager, Managing Director, or equivalent P&L leadership role within a consumer goods, FMCG, or retail business.
- Track record of delivering commercial growth and building effective teams in a fast-moving consumer environment.
- Strong understanding of multi-channel consumer go-to-market strategy (retail, DTC, and wholesale).
- Commercially sharp with the financial literacy to own a P&L and engage credibly with a PE Board.
- Experience in premium or lifestyle consumer brands is a meaningful advantage.
Compensation & Benefits
- Base salary of £120,000 – £150,000, depending on experience.
- Annual bonus linked to brand P&L performance.
- Equity co-investment opportunity aligned with the PE fund.
- Private health cover, enhanced pension, and hybrid working from London.
How to Apply
To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the company if it's a strong fit. No cover letter required.
General Manager (Consumer Brand) in London employer: NextStep
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and growth within the premium consumer goods sector. With a strong focus on employee development, the General Manager will have the unique opportunity to lead a well-capitalised brand through an exciting phase of expansion, supported by competitive compensation, equity opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance through hybrid working arrangements in London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (Consumer Brand) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the consumer goods and retail sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, don’t hold back on sharing your insights about P&L management and commercial strategies. We want to see your passion for driving growth and leading teams shine through.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s brands and their market strategies. We recommend having a few ideas ready on how you could help them expand into new European markets. This shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! Creating your profile at getnextstep.com is super easy and helps us match you with the right opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people without the hassle of cover letters.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager (Consumer Brand) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Create a Strong Profile:Make sure your profile on our website is complete and showcases your experience. Highlight your P&L leadership roles and any relevant achievements in consumer goods or retail to catch the eye of potential employers.
Tailor Your Experience:When filling out your application, focus on your experience that aligns with the role. Mention specific examples of how you've driven commercial growth or led teams in fast-paced environments to demonstrate your fit for the General Manager position.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:Since this role involves P&L ownership, make sure to emphasise your financial literacy. Include details about your experience managing budgets, revenue targets, and any successful strategies you've implemented to improve profitability.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see who you are beyond your qualifications, so don’t hesitate to share your passion for consumer brands and your vision for leading a team in an entrepreneurial environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at NextStep
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll be expected to own the P&L. Brush up on your financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven revenue and margin growth in previous roles. Be specific about the numbers and results you've achieved.
✨Understand the Brand Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's portfolio of lifestyle and nutrition brands. Research their market positioning and competitors. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to their commercial strategy and European expansion plans.
✨Showcase Team Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in fast-paced environments. Highlight your experience in building effective teams and driving performance, as this role involves leading a diverse group across various functions.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about multi-channel go-to-market strategies. Think about your past experiences in retail, DTC, and wholesale, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach the brand's commercial strategy in new markets.
