General Manager

About the role

Reporting to the Managing Director, the General Manager will lead the day‑to‑day commercial performance of a specialist tools business serving the plumbing and heating distribution market across the UK and Ireland. The role is remote‑friendly but based in the North West and offers genuine succession potential to a future Managing Director position.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the company's commercial growth strategy.
• Lead sales, marketing and business development activities.
• Manage and motivate internal teams, field sales resources and agents.
• Build and strengthen relationships with key national accounts and buying groups.
• Identify and develop new routes to market and commercial opportunities.
• Drive product development and portfolio expansion initiatives.
• Strengthen brand presence and market positioning.
• Develop effective pricing and commercial strategies.
• Monitor competitor activity, market developments and customer trends.
• Collaborate with wider group functions to support business objectives.
• Lead strategic planning, forecasting and performance management.
• Report progress, opportunities and business performance to senior leadership.

Required profile

• Ambitious commercial leader motivated to lead and develop an entire business rather than a single function.
• Ability to manage a small business within a larger group, understanding the nuances of such a structure.
• Experience in sectors such as plumbing and heating tools, trade distribution, industrial or building products, or technical B2B markets (advantageous).
• Proven track record in commercial strategy, business growth, and leadership of office and field‑based teams.
• Experience in key‑account management, commercial negotiation, product development, brand development and route‑to‑market development.
• Strong strategic planning and business performance management capabilities.

Required skills