General Manager in Bedford

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established regional B2B distribution business and lead its next phase of growth across a large, diverse and highly competitive market. It is part of an international, privately owned group.

The business is operationally sound and well invested, with strong infrastructure, modern facilities and a loyal customer base already in place. With the right General Manager, there is clear scope to grow turnover profitably, increase value-added sales and build a stronger, more energised team.

You will operate in an autonomous, non-bureaucratic environment, with full P&L ownership and the freedom to run the business as your own, supported by experienced senior leadership when required.

The Opportunity

• Regional B2B distribution business
• Serves multiple sectors including industrial, engineering, sign & display, exhibition and vehicle-related markets
• Large trading area (c.44-mile radius) with significant headroom
• Modern site with recent investment in processing equipment and delivery capability
• Strong platform in place – the opportunity is to drive commercial performance and growth

The Person

You are likely to have a successful track record of profitably running and growing a B2B business in roles such as General Manager, Branch Manager, Branch Director, Sales Director or Managing Director.

Specific product or sector knowledge is not essential. Candidates may come from wholesale, trade merchanting, distribution or other B2B environments.

You will:

• Be comfortable operating with high autonomy and limited corporate structure
• Take a proactive, common-sense, sleeves-rolled-up approach
• Be customer-facing and enjoy this aspect of the role
• Communicate clearly and positively, including having difficult conversations when required
• Bring energy, resilience and tenacity to a demanding but rewarding role
• Lead from the front, inspiring and engaging teams through change
• Be commercially and financially astute, with a strong understanding of P&L and margins

This is a sales-led leadership role. Someone purely operational will struggle.

Key Objectives

• Grow turnover profitably across existing and new customers
• Increase value-added sales and margin discipline
• Protect and deepen key customer relationships
• Recruit, develop and engage a high-performing team
• Fully utilise the site’s facilities and capabilities
• Identify opportunities for investment and growth in adjacent products and services
• Maintain high standards of health & safety and operational compliance

Location & Practicalities

You must live within a reasonable commuting distance of Bedford (or be willing to relocate).

There will be local travel as part of the role.

This is not a work-from-home role – presence and visibility on site are critical.

Why Join

The future is bright for this business. For the right General Manager, this is a genuine chance to:

• Be your own boss within a supportive, long-term ownership structure
• Build a winning, customer-focused culture
• Be rewarded directly for performance and growth
• Leave a lasting mark on a business with real potential

Please apply via LinkedIn or email a CV to ethan@wilsonbrook.com

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