General Manager - International Distribution Business

An established international distribution business is seeking a General Manager to lead the company through its next phase of growth and development. Reporting directly to ownership, you will have full responsibility for the day-to-day management of the business, ensuring operational excellence, leading a small team, and acting as the key link between ownership and the local organisation. This is a hands-on leadership role in a lean, entrepreneurial environment. Success will come from sound judgment, accountability, and the ability to lead with credibility and trust.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the business
• Manage and develop a small, experienced team
• Ensure operational excellence and business continuity
• Act as the primary representative of ownership locally
• Maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and business partners
• Oversee financial performance and reporting
• Support organisational development and future growth initiatives

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience as a General Manager, Managing Director, or senior operational leader within an SME
• Background in distribution, trading, industrial products, technical products, equipment, tools, machinery, or a similar B2B environment
• Experience managing supplier relationships, inventory-driven operations, and customer networks
• Strong operational, financial, and people leadership skills
• Comfortable working autonomously with a high level of accountability
• Experience in owner-managed or family-owned businesses is advantageous
• Fluent German and strong English language skills are essential

Personal Attributes

• Calm, pragmatic, and dependable
• Hands-on and commercially aware
• Strong judgment and decision-making ability
• Collaborative, trustworthy, and discreet
• Motivated by responsibility, autonomy, and long-term impact

A Unique Leadership Opportunity

This is an opportunity to lead a respected international business as it enters an exciting new chapter. The role offers significant autonomy, direct access to ownership, and the chance to make a meaningful long-term contribution to the company's continued success.

For an experienced leader who values trust, accountability, and stewardship, this position provides the platform to make a lasting impact while helping shape the future direction of the organisation.

If you are an experienced operational leader with a background in product distribution, technical trading, or a similar B2B environment, and are looking for a role where trust, accountability, and leadership matter, we look forward to hearing from you.