Managing Director - Independent Builders Merchant

Lead this long established business through the next chapter in their illustrious history

This is an excellent opportunity to join a long established South East based independent builders’ merchant. They trade successfully from a number of locations with a broad range of products from timber to heavy building to plumbing. They supply customers across many home counties as well as throughout London.

The business has benefited from numerous investments over recent years: new vehicles, IT and warehouse equipment. There is a committed branch management and sales team. They are in a strong financial position.

They are now looking to recruit a new MD to take the business forward. Potential candidates should have:

A successful track record of profitably running and growing an SME, multi-site distribution business as MD/General Manager
Experience in such a role within the builder’s merchant sector beneficial but not essential - we're open to considering candidates from other types of multi-site/multi-product B2B distribution
Can successfully operate in such an environment without the support structures of a larger corporate and can cope with the pressure of needing to achieve results
A proactive, inquisitive, common sense approach
Naturally strong communication skills – across all levels of the business
Willingness to roll sleeves up and always looking for opportunities to improve the business
To be customer facing and enjoy doing this
Also interact with and attend meetings at industry trade associations, events and buying groups as required
Based within a commutable distance of London (or willing and able to relocate within a reasonable time-frame), with regular travel throughout the branch network as part of the role – this is not an ivory tower/purely office-based job
Fit in with and positively develop the culture within the organisation, ensuring respect for all within the business
A self-starter and can operate at pace – no procrastination here please!
Energetic and creative, resilient and tenacious
Can deliver the right level of information up and down the structure as required
Leadership of the highest calibre: inspire, lead, motivate, engage with people throughout the business
Be commercially and financially aware, ensuring the team understands this too

There is a competitive salary and benefits package

To apply please send CV to neil@wilsonbrook.com or call 07796 542641 for a confidential discussion

National General Manager - Residential Installation

An exiting opportunity with a fast growing division of company that improves people's lives

This is an excellent opportunity with a well-established, well-financed, growing business who provide a range of products and services to do with quality of life and home improvement installations for specific groups of residential occupiers. Whilst a relatively young company, having been established in 1995, they have grown to now employ over 1000 people with a turnover in excess of £130m!

They have further ambitious growth plans including the diversification of their service offering into allied sectors and associated customer groups, such as social housing and local authority residential maintenance and installation work.

This part of their business (circa £25m and growing!) effectively designs, installs and maintains a variety of equipment (kitchens, bathrooms, stair-lifts, access ramps, railings) into different rooms in a residential setting. Whilst they predominantly use sub-contract labour to deliver these projects at the moment, they would like to bring this in-house with a directly employed workforce to further improve the quality and efficiency of their service.

With the growth of this division through the winning of new contracts and development of new service offerings, combined with bringing the delivery in-house they need to strengthen the senior management and recruit a General Manager to successfully manage all operational aspects of the business from surveying and design through to complete installations, along with liaison with a variety of stakeholders throughout the process. At the same time there's an opportunity to improve operational procedures and key performance indicators, whilst exceeding financial targets.

Potential candidates should have:

A successful track record in a similar role in a similar environment: design and installation of residential projects and the associated contract management. This could be from private development, local authorities or housing associations or health and social care services?
Experience of improving operational procedures
Knowledge of construction design management
Experience of managing multiple stakeholders - regional managers, site based teams, the end customer, other interested parties

From a behaviours/cultural perspective we're looking for:

A self-starter and can operate at pace – no procrastination here please!
Energetic and creative, resilient and tenacious
Can deliver the right level of information up and down the structure as required
Leadership of the highest calibre: inspire, lead, motivate, engage with not just the direct reports but the peer group, associated teams and wider business
Be commercially aware, ensuring the team understands this too

This role will involve travelling nationally, including to the South of the country for meetings at head office when required. It’s a home-based position so candidates based anywhere in England or Wales would be considered as long as not in the extreme North, West Wales, deep South West, East Anglia or Essex, Sussex or Kent.

This is a great opportunity with a business that has a fantastic reputation and is growing. There's a brilliant culture with their people really caring about what they do - which can have a significant impact on their customers lives.

There is a competitive salary, bonus and benefits package

To apply send your CV to neil@wilsonbrook.com or call 07796 542641 for a confidential discussion

Head of Category Management - E-Commerce

Deliver world class category management into a dynamic, sector leading business

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast growing and successful direct sales/e-commerce retail/distribution business. This business has grown £5m to over £50m in the last 10 years has plans to more than double over the next 5 years through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions. Whilst successful in their own right they are also part of a £900m international group.

However, this is only half of the story because they have a fantastic, award winning culture (open-door, collaborative, with regular communication and employee recognition) combined with excellent feedback from their customers. They have invested significantly in their business in terms of people, IT, facilities, products and marketing. Now they're reaping the rewards.

With such growth comes opportunity. Following a promotion they are now looking to recruit this key role of Head of Category Management with additional responsibility for merchandising - which in this business means how the products are displayed in their catalogue and on the website to make it easier for customers to find the products they want and choose the right products for the job (whilst of course maximising sales and cross-selling opportunities!).

There are opportunities to improve category management within the business - developing a full lifecycle approach in order to maximise sales and margin whilst growing the product range both within existing and into complimentary categories. A team of circa 12 people requires leadership, motivation and development.

Naturally we're looking for candidates to have relevant experience and a successful track record in similar role in a similar type of business - especially with experience in direct/e-commerce sales rather than just traditional bricks and mortar retail or trade distribution. Specific industry/product knowledge is not required, though anything related to consumer durables/home improvement/DIY would be beneficial. Experience of successfully leading a team within this function is also required.

This is a broad role with an important remit both within its function and working with other teams: marketing, operations and sales in particular, and contributing to the development and successful deliver of their strategy as part of the senior management team. Clearly excellent communication skills are a prerequisite alongside the ability to thrive in their open culture.

In the short-term the objective is to deliver world class category management into the business. Beyond this role there are good progression opportunities as the company continues to grow.

The company are based in the South East so potential candidates need to either live within commutable distance or be able to live away for the majority of the week or relocate.

There is a competitive salary, bonus and benefits package

To apply send your CV to neil@wilsonbrook.com or call 07796 542641 for a confidential discussion

Head of Specification - Building Materials

An excellent opportunity to join a leading brand and help drive growth

This is an excellent opportunity to join a market leading brand within the building products industry. They have a proud history and an impressive track record of growth over a considerable period of time. The UK business is one the leaders within the group, helping to form strategy for their European parent company (circa £1bn turnover) and its subsidaries and even legislation for the sectors in which they operate. They have a broad range of products, including some that are bespoke, across a number of applications: both internal and external to buildings, for a variety of commercial, industrial and residential projects, some of which are manufactured here in the UK, others by sister companies and some product bought in.

Despite their success they are not resting on their laurels. They see plenty of opportunity for growth and improvement, especially in one particular part of their business. Hence this new role, to partly ensure they are more successful with specifications (getting involved earlier, value engineering where appropriate and converting a higher percentage accordingly) and to also lead, motivate and inspire their sales and business development teams. With continued investment in facilities, people and products, they have the foundations in place, along with a supportive senior team - of which there is the opportunity to become part for this role and to have a broader remit in the future. There is an opportunity to double or even triple the size of this business unit over the coming 5 years and this role will play a key part in developing and delivering the commercial strategy to achieve this.

Suitable candidates should have a successful track record in a similar role in a similar environment, hence a good understanding of building products supply, with further success in leading and developing sales & business development teams (there's currently a team of circa 10 people reporting) and an understanding of the complexities of specification sales into construction with product then sold through distribution. Because of their product range we're not looking for specific product knowledge, aside from a technical product with added value, maybe with some bespoke product, as opposed to commodity products.

You should ideally be based in the Midlands or the South, although the role will involve national travel. As mentioned there's good potential career development opportunities within both this business unit and the wider UK business

There is a competitive salary, good bonus, car or car allowance and comprehensive package of benefits

To apply send your CV to neil@wilsonbrook.com or call 07796 542641 for a confidential discussion

Head of Marketing - Building Materials

An excellent opportunity to join a leading brand

This is an excellent opportunity to join a market leading brand within the building products industry. They have a proud history and an impressive track record of growth over a considerable period of time. The UK business is one the leaders within the group, helping to form strategy for their European parent company (circa £1bn turnover) and its subsidiaries and even legislation for the sectors in which they operate. They have a broad range of products, including some that are bespoke, across a number of applications (for a variety of commercial, industrial and residential projects), some of which are manufactured here in the UK, others by sister companies and some product bought in.

Despite their success they are not resting on their laurels. They see plenty of opportunity for growth and improvement. Hence this new role, to partly support the Marketing Director from a strategic perspective whilst also taking responsibility for the marketing team across who operate across all aspects of B2B marketing. With continued investment in facilities, people and products, they have the foundations in place, along with a supportive senior team - of which there is the opportunity to become part for this role and to have a broader remit in the future.

Suitable candidates should have a successful track record in a similar role in a similar environment, hence a good understanding of building products supply, with further success in leading and developing marketing strategy and teams and an understanding of the complexities of specification sales with product then sold through distribution and marketing to different decision makers throughout this process.

You should live within commutable distance of their office which is not far from Milton Keynes. There will be some travel in the role: to exhibitions and the group head office in Europe.

There is a competitive salary, good bonus, car or car allowance and comprehensive package of benefits

To apply send your CV to neil@wilsonbrook.com or call 07796 542641 for a confidential discussion

Engineering Opportunities - Consumer Products

Exciting engineering opportunities with a fast growing, innovative business

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established and category leading manufacturer of specialist small domestic electro-mechanical and electronic devices. This category is growing at over 25% per annum! They have a great reputation and global distribution channels via Amazon and other specialist retailers.

They are now embarking on a period of exciting growth under a new MD and ownership with investments being made into the business to facilitate such growth. The business has a successful history with a good track record of profitability, is highly cash generative and has a long serving employee base.

There are several key strategies which will enable them to grow:

1.Enhance existing products – via incremental value-added enhancements requiring engineering changes and changes in the bill of materials – quite simple but can add a lot of value.

2.New Product Introduction: 1. New mechanical products & 2. IoT/app controlled/web enabled products – so instead of having a product mounted electronic control and display the products will link via wifi to an app on the users smartphone – allowing remote control wherever the user may be

3.Raise the bar in terms of how the business operates – historically it’s been quite centralised around the previous MD and paper based. The new MD wants to engage with and empower the workforce, getting them to think for themselves, coming forward with new ideas and at the same working smarter via better utilisation of technology and world class manufacturing and engineering systems and standards

There are 3 new key roles the business is looking to recruit to help deliver this strategy:

NPI Engineer
Continuous Improvement Engineer
Sustaining Engineer

Naturally we're looking for people with experience in similar roles in a similar environment. Ideally degree qualified, experienced with mechanical and electrical/electronic consumer products. Any experience with web-enabled/smart/app controlled products would be a distinct advantage.

Reasons to join:

The business has a successful history with exciting plans for further growth combined with significant investment being applied across the business: facilities, people, products and brand!
Operating in high growth product categories with the introduction of new technologies
Potential career development opportunities in the medium term with a several management team members nearing retirement age combined with the growth aspirations of the company
A new culture of being innovative and proactive – with people empowered and encouraged to contribute and challenge
Freedom and autonomy, no micro-management here
Security of a successful, profitable, cash-rich business
Highly successful new MD who’s worked in world class, industry leading engineering and manufacturing businesses

The business has a strong position in a sustainable market operating in high growth product categories. The business plan represents a continuation of its successful strategy, enhanced by investment, new product development and a step-change in how the business operates, supported by better management. It’s a fantastically exciting time to join the company!

The company are based in the South East, on the South West outskirts of London, so naturally prospective candidates should live within a commutable distance. There is flexibility over start & finish times. There may be some limited oversees travel to China to liaise with their manufacturing partners.

There are competitive salaries, pension and other benefits.

To apply send your CV to neil@wilsonbrook.com or call 07796 542641 for a confidential discussion

Regional Sales Director - Heavyside Building Products

Ambitious growth plans for established business

This is an excellent opportunity with a well-established, successful and growing importer and distributor of specialist heavyside/landscaping building products. With the backing of their parent company, a global manufacturer of such products, they are embarking upon an exciting and ambitious period of growth. There is a significant market opportunity for them with a broad portfolio of products, ranging from value to premium.

In order to deliver this growth they require additional high calibre individuals within their sales team to increase coverage, strengthen existing relationships and most importantly, develop new accounts. Their main route to market is via builders merchants. They already have a strong relationship with members of the Fortis buying group. Now they're looking to expand beyond this into the other buying groups, other independents and the nationals. They're open to exploring other routes including DIY, garden centres and specification.

Naturally we're looking for candidates with experience in similar/related products within the heavyside product category, combined with a successful track record in senior sales/business development/account management roles within the buying groups, independent and national builders merchants. Knowledge of the key contacts within these customers is essential.

There is a positive culture, no politics or micro-management, a supportive head office team, large stock levels and a spacious, well located distribution centre.

This is a home based role with both regional and national travel. Exact location of potential candidates doesn't really matter.

Salary - to attract the best, bonus, car and benefits

To apply send your CV to neil@wilsonbrook.com or call 07796 542641 for a confidential discussion

Regional Sales Managers - Heavyside Products

Good opportunities with a growing, reputable business

Naturally we're looking for candidates with experience in similar/related products within the heavyside product category, combined with a successful track record in sales/business development/account management roles within the buying groups, independent and national builders merchants. Knowledge of the key contacts within these customers is essential.

There is a positive culture, no politics or micro-management, a supportive head office team, large stock levels and a spacious, well located distribution centre.

This is a home based role with regional travel. We are interested in candidates for both the South East and an Eastern region consisting of Essex/Cambridgeshire/East Anglia/South Yorkshire

To apply send your CV to neil@wilsonbrook.com or call 07796 542641 for a confidential discussion

Specification Business Development Manager

Join a fast growing business with innovative technology!

This is an excellent opportunity to join a fast growing company that has some fantastic, innovative, products designed and manufactured in the UK, which provide a better user experience than traditional ones, whilst also producing significant savings in terms of water and energy use (up to 75%!). This mean not only considerable cost savings for the building owner (with payback frequently within just 6 months!), but also great PR by being able to promote their green credentials - saving huge amounts of CO2. One recently example of an installation in a Leisure Centre is going to save over 120,000 kg of CO2 and running costs of over £50k per annum!

Alongside their existing products there are others in the pipeline which will give them a comprehensive portfolio for different applications across residential, multi-occupancy buildings, commercial and industrial. They will grow extensively across the UK and internationally over the next 5 years making this an outstanding opportunity for this individual to play a key role in the growth of this exciting organisation.

We're looking for an engaging, self-sufficient and results orientated Specification Business Development Manager to lead the specification business development activity from initial enquiry through to successful delivery. They're open to exploring various sectors where their products could be successfully installed: hotels, apartment blocks, gyms and leisure centres, halls of residence, hospitals etc. Experience of specification selling into one or several of these sectors would be an advantage. Specific product knowledge is not a prerequisite, however experience with bathroom/sanitaryware related products would be an advantage. Otherwise, experience in similar specification business development role in another category within building products is sufficient.

The role reports to the CEO and the Specification Business Development Manager will work closely with the Marketing Manager in devising and executing against the sales and marketing plan.

Success will be measured in managing the sales pipeline and exceeding revenue and margin targets. The role holder will also be expected to manage a number of key accounts (national gym chains and others) with support, where required, from the CEO.

Potential candidates should have:

Experience at generating specification sales
Experience of working as a Business Development Manager in the commercial sector and / or selling to facilities directors or developers in other multi-occupancy buildings.
Proven experience of working in a B2C and / or B2B sales role with technical or installed products and a track record of sales achievement in a competitive market.
Strong written and verbal presentation skills - essential for the delivery of professional sales presentations, proposals, and tenders.
Self-motivated and self-sufficient, comfortable with working under own initiative and proactively seeking new business opportunities.
Commercially focused and results driven – evidenced in previous roles with sales success
Technically astute, with the ability to distil complex products into business benefits

This is a unique opportunity - a fast growing company with some amazing products that pretty much sell themselves - for most clients it's a no-brainer to install these products. With the growth of the business will come exciting career development opportunities.

The role will cover the South and South East of the England in the first instance so ideally candidates would live either along or south of the M4, or in the surrounding home counties, with the head office being in Hampshire. Naturally this role will not be office based, working from home and involving pretty much full time travel. We're also interested in another candidate to manage the North/North West region, so applications would also be welcomed from candidates with a similar background in that part of the UK.

There is a competitive salary, an uncapped bonus (circa £20k for on target performance), car or car allowance, pension and other benefits.

To apply send your CV to neil@wilsonbrook.com or call 07796 542641 for a confidential discussion