Managing Director

Managing Director

Location: Bury, Greater Manchester (site-based)

Salary: £80,000 per annum + generous incentive package

Contract: Full time, permanent

The business

An established and profitable specialist importer, manufacturer and distributor of components. The business has traded successfully for over 25 years, supplies a long-standing base of trade and retail customers across the United Kingdom, and holds exclusive UK distribution rights on a number of product lines.

The role

The Managing Director will hold operational responsibility for the entire business and will report to the ownership group. The successful candidate will have a genuine interest in the product, and a desire to bring improvements to the entire product line. They will manage the site, the team and the customer and supplier relationships on a day-to-day basis, and will work closely with the ownership group on financial management, budgeting and the strategic direction of the company.

The business has historically been run on a lean, largely manual basis by a small number of individuals. A programme of investment in systems, processes and additional headcount is planned, and the Managing Director work closely with the ownership group, who are experienced in systems improvement. The role therefore offers an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to both manage an established operation while striving for continuous improvements.

This role will suit a dynamic, sales & commercially focused and proactive manager. The Managing Director will be expected to identify opportunities to grow revenue, attract new customers and develop the product range and act on them. As it is a small business, the role also spans every function rather than operating through a layer of departmental management.

Principal responsibilities

Commercial and financial performance: responsibility for revenue, gross margin, overhead control and profitability, with monthly management reporting and regular review. Input into annual budgets, forecasting and investment decisions. Ownership of PnL.

Product management: working with manufacturing partners on product quality, specification, improvement of existing lines and the introduction of new products.

Purchasing and supply chain: management of overseas manufacturing partners, primarily in China. Order planning, negotiation of pricing and terms, and oversight of shipping, importation and lead times across a seven-figure annual supplier spend.

Stock and inventory control: management of a substantial inventory holding, including reorder planning, stock accuracy, slow-moving stock and the introduction of formal stock control disciplines.

Customer and sales management: ownership of key trade accounts, pricing policy, and the development of new business across manufacturer, converter, trade and retail channels.

People management: leadership of a small, experienced and long-serving team covering warehouse, manufacturing, dispatch and administration, together with the recruitment and development of additional staff.

Systems and process improvement: leading the implementation of new accounting, stock and warehouse management systems and the introduction of formal purchasing and reporting controls.

Site management: health and safety, premises and general day-to-day operational management.

A structured handover from the exiting manager will provide access to established supplier, product and customer knowledge.

Candidate requirements

Essential

Strong commercial capability, including pricing, margin management, negotiation and supplier relationship management.

Demonstrable experience as a Managing Director, Commercial Director, Sales Director, Site Director or equivalent, with direct responsibility for commercial and financial performance.

Experience gained within a small or owner-managed business, with the breadth to operate credibly across purchasing, operations, sales, administration and people management.

A practical, hands-on approach. The successful candidate will be engaged across all activities in the business, requiring a proactive and practical individual to learn about, and improve business practices simultaneously.

Sound financial literacy, including management accounts, budgeting and working capital management.

The ability to work autonomously and set priorities independently, while reporting transparently to an active ownership group.

Desirable

Experience of importing from Asia, including freight, customs and lead-time management.

Background in distribution, wholesale, light manufacturing or engineering-led supply of physical products.

Working knowledge of Xero or comparable accounting software.

Exposure to the leisure vehicle, commercial vehicle, automotive or vehicle conversion sectors.

Remuneration and benefits

Basic salary of £80,000 per annum.

Very generous performance-related bonus and equity linked to financial performance for right candidate.

Application

Applications should be submitted with a curriculum vitae outlining relevant experience of managing a business of comparable size and scope.

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. Applicants must hold the right to work in the United Kingdom. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds.