General Manager - B2B Distribution - Based just south of Bedford
33 Days Old
General Manager - B2B Distribution – Based just south of Bedford
12 January, 2026 SHARE
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
This is a confidential appointment.
For a discreet, exploratory conversation, please contact: Jonny Pegler, Senior Consultant, 07590 374079, jonny@wilsonbrook.com
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- Location:
- Bedford
- Job Type:
- FullTime