Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative design team and manage operations for a thriving wholesale business.
- Company: A top European design company known for seasonal decorations and gifts.
- Benefits: Excellent salary, benefits, and the chance to shape a successful brand.
- Other info: Stable role with opportunities for growth and collaboration with experienced teams.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a lasting impact in the creative industry.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in design-led wholesale or retail with a focus on continuity.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Based in London. Excellent Salary + Benefits.
Our client is one of Europe’s leading design companies for seasonal decorations and gifts. Founded in 1983 and now an international business, the Founder herself selects the perfect products for each of their amazing collections. With a dynamic, dedicated team around her, she is able to bring her unique and unmatched style to customers all around the world. An exciting opportunity now exists for an experienced Managing Director with a proven track record in a creative, design led wholesale or retail business to work for this £20m turnover SME.
Purpose of the Role
To provide steady, experienced leadership to support a wholesale business with 3,000 upscale retailer customers. The Managing Director’s role is to look after what already works well, ensure the business remains well prepared for peak periods, and protect the company’s financial strength, people and reputation over the long term. This is a role focused on continuity, sound judgement and care for the business rather than change for its own sake.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- The MD will have full operational responsibility for the business including; being responsible for delivering the budget, ensuring operational excellence, and driving the development and growth of the business.
Experience & Background
- Senior leadership with considerable experience in design-led wholesale or retail businesses.
- Familiarity with seasonal trading patterns and the demands they place on planning, stock and cash.
- Experience working alongside owners, with respect for the history and values of the business.
- Comfortable operating in well-established organisations with long-serving teams.
Way of Working
- Thoughtful and well prepared, with decisions taken in good time ahead of each season.
- Careful with commitments and risk, particularly around stock, cash and supplier arrangements.
- Values consistency, reliability and learning from past seasons.
Leadership Approach
- Calm, measured and reassuring, especially during busy or pressured trading periods.
- Listens carefully and builds on existing knowledge and experience.
- Low-key, respectful and dependable rather than directive or showy.
- Provides quiet confidence and clear judgement when decisions are needed.
People & Operations
- Values the contribution of long-standing colleagues and established ways of working.
- Ensures the business is properly prepared for peak trading across operations, customer service and suppliers.
- Supports teams through demanding periods with fairness and understanding.
- Encourages sensible planning and review rather than last-minute reactions.
Working with Owners & Directors
- Communicates openly and sensitively with family members and directors.
- Helps set realistic expectations based on experience and careful analysis.
- Will raise concerns or alternative views respectfully and constructively.
- Always acts in the long-term interests of the business.
- Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in environments where nuance, timing and discretion matter.
- Experience acting as a trusted intermediary between owners and senior management.
Outlook
- Seeking a stable, long-term leadership role.
- Comfortable with the rhythm of seasonal trading.
- Motivated by stewardship, care and continuity.
Managing Director - Wholesale Creative Design/Premium Lifestyle Brands in City of London employer: Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management
Contact Detail:
Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Director - Wholesale Creative Design/Premium Lifestyle Brands in City of London
✨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 opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their values, products, and market position. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Managing Director. Highlight your leadership style and how it fits with their established team and culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Director - Wholesale Creative Design/Premium Lifestyle Brands in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Managing Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in design-led businesses and any familiarity with seasonal trading patterns.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for creative design and how your calm, measured approach can benefit our established team.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve driven growth and operational excellence in past positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norrie Johnston Recruitment - Global Executive Search & Interim Management
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's history, values, and product lines. Understanding their unique style and what makes them stand out in the seasonal decorations and gifts market will show your genuine interest and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the company's need for steady, experienced guidance. Share specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams through peak trading periods while maintaining operational excellence.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle challenges related to stock management, cash flow, and supplier relationships. Think of scenarios from your experience where you made sound decisions under pressure, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Emphasise Long-Term Vision
The role requires a focus on continuity and long-term success. Be prepared to discuss how you would protect the company’s financial strength and reputation over time, and share your thoughts on balancing innovation with the established ways of working.