At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a profitable business unit, setting strategy and driving growth.
- Company: Join a £1bn+ privately owned group with an entrepreneurial culture.
- Benefits: Earn up to £160k with open-ended profit share and executive car.
- Other info: Dynamic role with real impact and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Total P&L ownership without the risk of running your own company.
- Qualifications: Proven commercial leadership and P&L responsibility required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 160000 £ per year.
Run a profitable, established distribution business as your own. Not a branch with a reporting line into someone else's plan — a genuine business unit where you set the budget, present it to the board, and own the outcome. Sales, margin, stock, purchasing, product range, customer service, headcount: yours.
The model is simple: devolve real responsibility to local leadership, back them properly, and reward them on what they actually deliver. The profit share is open‑ended and tied to your own business's performance — the better you build it, the more you earn, with no ceiling written into the scheme.
Why this beats the GM role you're probably looking at:
- Total P&L ownership — the nearest thing to running your own company without carrying the risk
- An established, profitable operation with real customers and revenue, not a turnaround gamble or a startup
- An open-ended profit share on the business you control — your effort, your number
- A group that grows by acquisition and promotes from within, so the next business unit, and the one after, is a real route — not a vague promise
- A genuinely entrepreneurial culture: budgets you build, decisions you make, a board that backs you rather than micromanages you
What you'd actually be doing:
- Setting the commercial strategy and delivering it.
- Building relationships with the key contract accounts that drive the business.
- Opening new customer segments and revenue lines.
- Sharpening pricing, range and margin.
- Recruiting and developing a team that performs.
- Representing the business in its market and looking outward for the next opportunity — not just managing what's already there.
Who this is for:
Someone commercially sharp, numerate and naturally persuasive, who leads from the front rather than the office. You've carried P&L responsibility, or you've run a significant commercial operation and you're ready to own the whole thing. You think laterally, spot value others miss, and you have the credibility to be taken seriously at every level — from the warehouse floor to the boardroom.
Sector experience isn't the point. If you've built something, grown a number and led people to do it with you, you'll recognise this role. It's a hands‑on seat for an entrepreneurial operator — not a custodian.
The package:
Up to £160k total earning potential — £80k basic, £80k OTE — plus an open-ended profit share, executive car (BMW / Mercedes / Audi), defined‑contribution pension and family private healthcare.
General Manager employer: Sales Recruit UK
Join a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment where you can truly take ownership of a profitable distribution business in Scotland. With total P&L responsibility, an open-ended profit share tied to your performance, and a culture that promotes from within, this role offers unparalleled growth opportunities and the chance to shape the future of the business. Enjoy a competitive salary package, including an executive car and comprehensive benefits, all while being part of a privately owned group that values local leadership and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a great opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with yours. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're not just looking for any job, but the right fit for both you and them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the General Manager role. Highlight your experience with P&L responsibility and your ability to drive business growth. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Entrepreneurial Spirit:When writing your application, let your entrepreneurial side shine through! We want to see how you've taken charge in previous roles and made impactful decisions. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth or improved operations.
Be Clear About Your P&L Experience:Since this role involves total P&L ownership, make sure to highlight your experience with profit and loss management. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate their ability to manage budgets and deliver results, so don’t hold back on the details!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application our way. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specifics of this General Manager role. Mention how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description — we love seeing that effort!
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. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sales Recruit UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your commercial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics like P&L statements, margins, and revenue growth. Be ready to discuss how you've managed these in previous roles and how you plan to apply that knowledge here.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires someone who leads from the front. Prepare examples of how you've built and developed teams in the past. Highlight your approach to recruitment and team performance, as well as how you foster an entrepreneurial culture within your team.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Research the distribution industry and the specific market this company operates in. Be prepared to discuss potential opportunities for growth and how you would approach opening new customer segments. This shows you're not just a manager but a strategic thinker.
✨Prepare Your Vision
Think about the commercial strategy you would implement if you were in this role. Be ready to present your ideas on budget setting, pricing strategies, and how you would enhance customer relationships. This will demonstrate your readiness to take ownership of the business unit.
