At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a successful B2B distribution operation and drive sales growth.
- Company: Well-established local operation within a major specialist B2B distribution group.
- Benefits: Autonomy, performance rewards, and the chance to build a winning culture.
- Other info: Hands-on role requiring visibility and engagement with customers and teams.
- Why this job: Be your own boss and make a lasting impact on a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Commercially sharp with strong leadership and customer-facing skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Wilson Brook is conducting a confidential search for a General Manager to lead a successful, well-established local operation within a major specialist B2B distribution group. The business is profitable, stable and well regarded in its market, with a strong regional reputation, a broad customer base, an experienced team and further growth potential.
The role would suit a commercially strong, sales-led leader from a B2B distribution, merchanting, wholesale, technical products or specialist supply-chain environment. Specific product knowledge is less important than strong commercial judgement, customer focus, people leadership and the ability to run a local business with real ownership.
The successful candidate will take full responsibility for local performance, including:
- P&L and working capital
- Sales growth and margin performance
- Key customer relationships
- Team leadership and development
- Stock, service and operational standards
- Local commercial strategy
- Supplier and customer engagement
- Health & safety and site leadership
This is a hands-on leadership role. The successful candidate will be visible with customers, colleagues and suppliers, and will be expected to protect what already works while bringing fresh energy, structure and commercial discipline to the next phase of growth.
The culture is entrepreneurial, practical and down to earth. The wider group is privately owned, long-term in outlook and built around local businesses led by capable, commercially minded managers. There is genuine autonomy, clear accountability and meaningful reward for performance.
The opportunity will appeal to someone who wants to run a business as their own, inherit a strong platform, and lead a respected local operation through its next stage of development.
Ideal candidate background:
Relevant backgrounds may include: Candidates must be commercially sharp, customer-facing, pragmatic and credible with experienced teams. This is not a narrow operational role or a purely office-based management position. It requires visible leadership, strong sales instincts and the confidence to lead an autonomous local business.
You must live within a reasonable commuting distance of London area (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
This is a confidential appointment. To apply please send your CV to All conversations handled with complete discretion.
General Manager employer: Wilson Brook Consulting
Wilson Brook offers an exceptional opportunity for a General Manager to lead a well-established local operation within a major specialist B2B distribution group. With a strong regional reputation and a culture that values entrepreneurial spirit, autonomy, and accountability, employees are empowered to drive performance and growth while being rewarded for their contributions. The company fosters a supportive environment where leaders can truly make their mark, ensuring a fulfilling and meaningful career path in a thriving business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the B2B distribution space and let them know you're on the lookout for a General Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile showcases your leadership skills and commercial acumen. Engage with industry-related content and connect with key players in the market to increase your visibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Be ready to discuss how you can bring fresh energy and structure to their operations while maintaining their strong customer relationships.
✨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 engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the General Manager role. Highlight your commercial judgement, customer focus, and leadership abilities to show us you’re the right fit for this hands-on position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about leading a local operation and how your background in B2B distribution can drive growth. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Include specific examples of how you’ve driven sales growth, improved operational standards, or developed teams in your previous roles.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilson Brook Consulting
✨Know Your Numbers
As a General Manager, you'll be responsible for P&L and working capital. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've driven sales growth and margin performance in previous roles. Bring specific examples that showcase your commercial judgement.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role demands visible leadership and team development. Prepare to share your approach to leading teams, fostering a customer-focused culture, and how you’ve successfully engaged with both suppliers and customers. Highlight any hands-on experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the B2B distribution sector and the specific challenges it faces. Be ready to discuss local market dynamics and how you can leverage your experience to protect existing strengths while driving growth. This shows you're not just a fit for the role but also passionate about the industry.
✨Emphasise Your Autonomy
The company values autonomy and accountability. Prepare to discuss instances where you've taken ownership of a project or business unit. Share how you’ve made decisions independently and the impact those decisions had on the business. This will resonate well with their entrepreneurial culture.
