General Manager - B2B Distribution - Based just south of Bedford

Builders' Merchant Company; Bedford; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional B2B distribution business based just south of Bedford is seeking a General Manager. The role requires proven experience in running and growing a B2B operation, with a focus on enhancing profitability and customer relationships. You will have autonomy, P&L responsibility, and the opportunity to build a customer-focused culture. Candidates should be energetic leaders with strong financial acumen and excellent communication skills. This is not a work-from-home role, and local commuting is essential.

Benefits

Supportive ownership structure

Direct performance rewards

Opportunity to influence business direction

Qualifications

• Track record in General Manager or similar role in B2B environments.
• Comfortable with high autonomy and limited corporate structure.
• Ability to inspire and lead teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Grow turnover profitably across existing and new customers.
• Develop and engage a high-performing team.
• Protect and deepen customer relationships.
• Ensure operational compliance with health & safety standards.

Skills

Profitably running a B2B business

Commercially astute

Customer-facing communication skills

Leadership and team engagement

Energy and resilience

Job description

General Manager - B2B Distribution - Based just south of 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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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.

Contact

For a discreet, exploratory conversation, please contact:
Jonny Pegler, Senior Consultant, 07590 374079, [e-mail]