General Manager

General Manager, Consumer Products (Confidential)

Surrey | On site | Retained search

An established and highly successful UK business, part of an international group, is looking for a General Manager to lead it through its next stage of growth and transformation.

The business has grown strongly over recent years and sells across mass market retail, eCommerce and an extensive network of independent specialist retailers. Having built its reputation on commercial and operational excellence, it is now evolving into a more consumer-led, brand-led organisation, with significant investment going into portfolio strategy, brand building, performance marketing and data-led decision-making.

The role

• Full responsibility for the UK P&L, from gross sales through to EBITDA, including margin, cash and working capital.
• Setting and delivering the strategic plan in partnership with the international group.
• Leading the shift from a traditional supply-led model to a differentiated, end-to-end commercial proposition.
• Optimising a large and complex product portfolio across owned brands and partner brands.
• Building consumer, brand and performance marketing capability over the next three years.
• Shaping channel strategy across mass market, ecommerce and independent retail.
• Providing strong leadership across logistics, planning and purchasing, supported by an experienced functional team.
• Leading, supporting and challenging an established executive team across commercial, finance, HR and operations.

What we are looking for

• A proven General Manager or Managing Director. This is not a first general management role.
• A commercial background, whether sales, marketing or category, with full P&L accountability.
• A genuine track record in change and transformation, and the ability to bring an organisation with you rather than push it through.
• Experience of complex, multi-channel product businesses, ideally including significant independent retail or wholesale customer bases.
• Comfort operating within an international matrix, with the credibility to work with group leadership and the presence to engage colleagues at every level.
• A visible, hands-on leadership style built on humility, high standards and personal example.

We are open to candidates from across FMCG, consumer goods and adjacent consumer sectors.

Practicalities

This is an on-site role based in Surrey, with four days a week in the office expected, at least initially. Candidates will need to be within a comfortable commuting distance or willing to relocate.

Base salary of £150,000 to £180,000, plus 20% bonus and strong wider package.

How to apply

RE: DISCOVER is handling this search exclusively and confidentially. The employer is not named at this stage. RE: DISCOVER pre-screens interested candidates and shares the full brief under NDA. Apply through Linked In or contact Craig or Siobhan directly for a confidential conversation.