We are looking for an experienced Managing Director to lead an established, UK-based trading and distribution business operating across the South West region.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to lead a well-established independent business with real autonomy, supported by the strength and scale of a wider group network.

Managing Director
South West

• Full Time, Permanent
• Six-figure salary and benefits package

Please note: Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK

Our client is a food distribution business with strong brand recognition and strong customer partnerships.

Having evolved through sustained growth and operational expansion, they now require a commercially astute and operationally strong senior leader who can bring clarity, cohesion and disciplined execution to a well-established business unit.

This appointment will play a key role in supporting the continued modernisation of the business, driving sales growth, and embedding more effective, contemporary processes across the operation. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will be responsible for improving communication, strengthening internal cohesion, and ensuring greater consistency and accountability across teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement a clear regional strategy aligned with Group objectives
• Lead and develop a cohesive senior leadership team
• Strengthen operational performance across warehouse, logistics, supply chain, finance and commercial functions
• Modernise systems, reporting structures and internal workflows
• Introduce robust KPI frameworks and performance rhythms
• Drive margin discipline alongside sustainable revenue performance
• Remove cross-functional inefficiencies and improve organisational alignment
• Embed a culture of accountability, ownership and continuous improvement

Your Experience

This role requires a proven senior leader who is equally comfortable setting strategic direction and engaging closely with operational delivery.

You will demonstrate:

• Experience holding full P&L accountability within a trading, distribution, food, FMCG or similarly operationally intensive environment
• A strong track record of improving operational performance and modernising internal processes
• The ability to create clarity of direction and align teams behind shared objectives
• Commercial acumen with disciplined financial management capability
• Experience operating within a group structure while leading a standalone business
• Strong leadership presence and credibility at senior stakeholder level
• A pragmatic and structured approach to execution

As MD, you will be visible, decisive, and able to build cohesion across functions, introducing structure where needed, and delivering sustainable improvement.

This opportunity will suit a commercially minded and operationally credible leader who thrives on creating structure, alignment and sustainable business improvement. If this sounds like you, apply today.

This role comes with a generous remuneration package and benefits. Further details will be shared with shortlisted candidates under confidentiality.

How to apply for the role:

If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to complete your application and provide any other supporting documents.

You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies please.

Flat Fee Recruiter is an advertising agency promoting this role on behalf of the employer. You may be contacted directly by Flat Fee Recruiter, should our client wish to move forward with your application.

Other suitable skills and experience include Managing Director, Operations Director, General Manager, Commercial Director, Distribution Director, Regional Director, FMCG Leadership, Food Distribution, Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management, Warehouse Operations, Business Transformation, Operational Excellence, Strategic Leadership, P&L Management, Senior Operations Leadership, Trading Business Management, Multi-site Operations, Change Management