This is a key leadership appointment for an ambitious, growing food business with nationwide distribution and an expanding export operation. We are looking for an experienced General Manager who can bring structure, pace and accountability to the operation while helping shape the next stage of growth. Working closely with the owners, you will have the opportunity to build scalable processes, develop a high-performing management team, improve operational and commercial performance, and ultimately progress towards Managing Director.
The Role:
Reporting directly to the owners, you will lead the operational function through the Operations Manager and Customer Service Manager, with oversight of the wider operational team.
Your focus will be to: Drive operational excellence across warehouse, distribution and customer service.
Build scalable systems, SOPs and KPIs that support future growth.
Develop and challenge the management team, creating greater accountability and leadership depth.
Improve efficiency, service and cost control, including OTIF and cost-to-serve.
Maintain excellent stock control across circa 3,200 SKUs.
Oversee UK logistics and export operations as the business continues to expand.
Own Health & Safety and HACCP, ensuring robust standards across the business.
Work closely with the owners on forecasting, budgeting, margins and commercial performance. Create a culture of continuous improvement, ownership and high performance.
What We're Looking For:- We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with genuine operational credibility.
- You will be a visible, approachable leader who knows how to engage people, set high standards and hold others accountable. You will enjoy developing managers, building strong teams and putting the processes in place that allow a growing business to scale.
- You will also need to be commercially minded, resilient and comfortable working in a fast-paced, founder-led SME, where decisions are made quickly and everyone takes ownership.
- Most importantly, you'll want to make a difference. This isn't a role for someone looking to simply maintain the status quo — it's an opportunity to help shape the future of a growing business.
- Package55,000 base salary depending on experience
- Up to 7,500 profit-related bonus5,000 car allowance
- Pension contribution
- Private healthcare
- Clear potential progression to Managing Director
- Why This Role?
- You will have genuine influence over how the business operates and grows.
- Working directly with the owners, you'll have the autonomy to improve the operation, develop the team and introduce the structure and processes needed for the next phase of growth.
- If you're an ambitious operational leader looking for the opportunity to build something, make your mark and progress towards MD, this could be the role for you.
- Discipline(s): Food & Drink
Job type: Permanent
