Business Manager – B2B Distribution

A well-established UK B2B distributor of branded consumer batteries is seeking an experienced Business Manager to take full ownership of a high-potential business unit with national coverage. Operating within a decentralised structure, this role offers genuine autonomy, full P&L responsibility, and the opportunity to shape both business performance and personal earning potential.This fast-growing profit centre supports a wide range of customers, including public sector organisations, wholesalers, trade professionals, hospitality, and commercial clients. With strong supplier relationships, a stable team, and significant opportunities for expansion, this is an exceptional opportunity for a commercially driven leader. Purpose of the Role The Business Manager will have total accountability for business direction, performance, and profitability. You will lead a multi-disciplinary team, drive sales growth, strengthen supplier partnerships, and ensure operational excellence across all areas of the business. This is a hands-on, autonomous leadership role for someone with the commercial drive to scale a business and maximise results. Operational Responsibilities 1. P&L Ownership & Financial Performance Take full responsibility for turnover, gross profit, operating costs, and overall financial results. Set annual forecasts and strategic targets, monitoring performance through KPIs. 2. Sales Growth & Market Development Develop and deliver the sales and marketing strategy. Grow existing accounts and identify new market opportunities. 3. Supplier & Manufacturer Relationship Management Act as a senior UK commercial contact for global consumer battery brands. Negotiate pricing, product ranges, supply agreements, service levels, and annual trading terms. 4. Operational Leadership Oversee warehouse, logistics, stock management, administration, and operations teams. Ensure high service levels, supply continuity, and process improvements. Lead, coach, and develop the sales team; recruit future talent as needed. 5. Compliance & Technical Oversight Ensure full compliance with UK/EU battery regulations (including WEEE, POPs, PPN 06/21, packaging, labelling, waste management). Maintain ISO 9001 & ISO 14001 processes for quality, supplier control, and environmental management. Key Deliverables Consistent year-on-year growth in turnover, gross profit, and operational income Achievement of forecast commitments Full regulatory compliance Increased market share Strong and strategically aligned supplier partnerships High service levels (OTIF, stock accuracy, delivery performance) High team engagement supported by structured KPIs and operational discipline Skills & Competencies Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience owning a P&L Proven track record of growing B2B sales in competitive markets Highly driven, self-motivated, and accountable Commercially astute, analytical, organised, and sales-focused Confident leader with coaching and team-development skills Experience working with consumer or industrial battery categories (advantageous) Skilled negotiator with experience managing customer and supplier relationships Clear communicator able to work with stakeholders at all levels What’s on Offer Up to £70k base salary Significant profit-share bonus, taking the package well in excess of 6 figures High autonomy and direct influence over business success Ready to Lead a High-Potential Profit Centre? If you’re commercially driven, motivated by ownership, and excited by the opportunity to shape and scale a business with real autonomy, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion.