General Manager (Manufacturing)

About With over 40 years of heritage, the business has built a strong reputation for craftsmanship, bespoke production, and attention to detail. As the company continues to evolve, there is a growing focus on expanding its B2B trade presence through an agent-led model, creating an exciting opportunity for a commercially-minded leader to drive this next phase of growth. The Role This is a hands-on General Manager role with a strong emphasis on commercial growth and business development, and a clear pathway to taking on full day-to-day leadership of the business over time. Working closely with the founder, you will take ownership of developing and executing the company’s B2B strategy, with a particular focus on building and managing an effective agent network and driving revenue across key markets. Over time, this role is expected to evolve into a broader leadership position, with increasing responsibility across the business as you take on more of the operational and commercial running of the company. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in an SME environment and is motivated by impact, ownership, and progression into a senior leadership role, rather than corporate structure. Key Responsibilities * Develop and implement a clear B2B growth strategy * Drive revenue through expansion of trade accounts, agents, and distribution partners * Identify and pursue new business opportunities across UK and international markets * Build, structure, and manage an effective agent-led sales model * Define territories, targets, and performance expectations * Act as a key commercial ambassador for the brand. Work closely with production and operations to ensure alignment between sales demand and delivery capability * Manage reporting, forecasting, and performance tracking Broader Leadership & Progression * Take increasing ownership of overall business performance, with a clear progression towards full day-to-day responsibility * Work closely with the founder with a view to transitioning operational and commercial leadership over time * Develop a strong understanding of operational processes, including production, delivery, and efficiency, supporting ongoing improvements * Contribute to and, over time, take ownership of commercial and operational decision-making, including budgeting and performance management * Support the development of team structure, capability, and performance as the business grows * Act as a central point of coordination across the business, ensuring alignment between commercial activity and operational delivery Candidate Profile Experience * Proven experience in a commercial, sales, or general management role within a B2B environment * Experience working with agents, distributors, or trade sales models * Ideally from a product-led business such as: * Interiors / homeware / furniture * Manufacturing * Design-led or premium brands Skills & Attributes * Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving revenue growth * Hands-on and comfortable operating in a small to medium-sized business * Able to bring structure and accountability without overcomplicating processes * Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills Candidate Specification * Self-motivated and proactive * Comfortable working closely with a founder-led business * Ambitious, with the desire to take on greater responsibility * Adaptable, practical, and solutions-oriented * Aligned with a business that values craftsmanship, quality, and long-term relationships