Managing Director ; Construction Equipment

Our client is a long-established, family-owned European manufacturer of professional-grade tools and equipment for the building services trades. Its products are trusted by installers and engineers around the world, with an excellent reputation for its commitment to quality and engineering excellence. The UK&I subsidiary is stable and profitable, with a highly experienced team and long-standing customer relationships with key dealers, specialist merchants and the hire sector.

The business is seeking to recruit a Managing Director to progress the UK&I, taking the established platform and developing it to the next level through a refreshed commercial strategy and renewed focus across sales and account management. Reporting to the Group Sales Director, the role will hold full P&L accountability for the UK&I business. The MD will harness the superb product reputation the business enjoys and progress commercial activities to new heights, further developing the sales team, their approach and performance.

The role will also assume personal responsibility for key account relationships, planning and evolving strategies to maximise on these crucial relationships. The role is office-based near Hertford, with travel to customers, trade shows and occasionally to Europe. A local base is essential.

• Personally leading relationships with key dealers, specialist merchants and hire groups, with a clear roadmap for each account
• Working alongside an experienced Sales Manager to plan, coach and develop a field team of Area Sales Representatives
• Identifying opportunities to broaden the UK&I product portfolio
• Championing CRM, data and social media activities to maximum effect
• Contributing to the European MD forum and acting as the bridge between the UK&I and European headquarters

• Currently an MD, Sales Director, GM or in a similar regional or national leadership role
• A proven record selling technical B2B products into the professional trade through specialist merchants, independents and/or tool hire (DIY and retail backgrounds will also be considered)
• A hands-on sales leader who enjoys time with customers and turns data into account plans that deliver growth
• Credible and pragmatic, with the confidence to challenge the status quo

• German language skills are an advantage but not essential