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Managing Director – B2B Distributor/Wholesaler
Location: East Midlands / Central England
Delighted to be working with a well-established and rapidly growing distributor and brand owner supplying key sectors including hospitality, retail, and foodserviceto appoint a Managing Director to lead its UK operation. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, service-led environment and is ready to make a real impact.
The company sources and supplies a wide range of products to manufacturers and independent retailers across the UK, it is a high-volume operation built on speed, reliability, and strong customer relationships — backed by ambitious European owners who are investing in growth and innovation.
The Role:
You will take full P&L responsibility for a £30M UK site and lead a team across all functions from Warehouse to Sales & Marketing.
This is a hands-on leadership role where you will be deeply involved in the day-to-day, while also shaping the strategic direction of the business.
One of the key priorities is to modernise the commercial approach, particularly in marketing and lead generation. While the UK team has traditionally relied on relationship-based selling, the wider group is already using AI-driven marketing, digital tools, and data-led insights to generate leads and drive growth. You will lead the shift toward a more proactive, tech-enabled, and insight-driven sales and marketing model as well as champion a data- and process-informed culture - not to add red tape - but to empower the team, improve decision-making, and scale efficiently.
Key Responsibilities:
* Leading and inspiring a cross-functional team, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
* Driving new business development and strategic account growth
* Championing the adoption of modern marketing and sales tools
* Embedding a data-informed, process-driven mindset across the business
* Collaborating with the European leadership team to align on strategy and share best practices
* Ensuring operational excellence and a consistently strong customer experience
The Person
* A senior leader with experience in wholesale, distribution, or a fast-moving commercial environment
* Someone who is commercially sharp, with a strong track record of growing customer relationships and driving performance
* A confident, people-first leader who knows how to bring out the best in others
* Someone who is excited by change and ready to modernise and scale a business
* A hands-on, approachable leader who leads with integrity and energy
Why This Role?
This is a chance to join a business that is growing, evolving, and ready for its next chapter. You will have the autonomy to shape the UK operation, the support of a successful European group, and the opportunity to lead meaningful change in a business that values service, innovation and people.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Director
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Management, Sales, and Business Development
* Industries
Wholesale, Accommodation and Food Services, and Hospitality
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