General Manager - Materials Handling

Alecto Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Manager / General Manager for a materials handling division. The role requires at least 5 years of industry experience, leadership skills, and a strong track record in sales management. The position offers a salary of £50,000 - £70,000, along with bonuses and a company car, and allows for hybrid working from the Midlands. If you're a strategic leader looking for your next challenge, this is an exceptional opportunity.

Benefits

Annual bonus

Company car

Private healthcare

Pension contributions

25 days holiday

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in the materials handling, forklift, lift trucks or telehandler industries.
• Proven experience in sales management and team leadership.
• Strong financial management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small UK sales team.
• Oversee sales of forklifts and warehouse equipment.
• Manage divisional P&L and budgets.
• Build strong relationships with trade partners.
• Expand service and rental side of the business.
• Ensure operational efficiency and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Sales management

Financial reporting

Customer service

Team development

Job description

Overview

Senior Manager / General Manager - Materials Handling Division

Salary: 50,000 - 70,000 + Bonus + Company Car + Benefits

Hybrid Midlands-based UK-wide Coverage

At least 5 years experience in the Materials Handling/Forklift Industry is ESSENTIAL

Are you a proven leader in the materials handling, forklift, or warehouse equipment sector?

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Manager / General Manager / Division Head to take ownership of their UK sales and operations. This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercial, hands-on leader to shape strategy, lead a small team, and drive measurable growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small UK sales team to deliver consistent year-on-year growth.
• Oversee sales of forklifts, pallet trucks, stackers, and warehouse equipment from both UK stock and European factories.
• Manage divisional P&L, budgets, and monthly reporting to the board.
• Build strong relationships with trade partners, distributors, and end-users across multiple industries.
• Expand the service, hire, and rental side of the business alongside new equipment sales.
• Ensure exceptional customer service, operational efficiency, and compliance with reporting requirements.
• You will report directly to the European directors and have significant autonomy to shape the division's direction and success.

The ideal candidate will

• MUST have 5+ years' experience in the materials handling, forklift, lift trucks or telehandler industries
• Have a strong track record in sales management, team leadership, and business growth.
• Be commercially aware with experience managing P&L, budgets, and financial reporting.
• Be self-motivated, results-driven, and able to inspire and organise a small team.
• Hold a full UK driving licence.

Alternate titles that reflect your experience may include: General Manager, Sales Manager, Regional Manager, Operations Manager, Business Development Manager, or Division Head.

Package

• Competitive basic salary 50,000 - 70,000 (dependent on experience)
• Annual bonus / commission
• Company car
• Laptop & mobile
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays, rising to 28
• Private healthcare
• Pension contributions
• Hybrid working from Midlands office with UK travel

Why Apply

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a fast-growing UK division backed by a European parent company. You will have the autonomy to shape the business, influence strategy, and lead a team while being supported by a forward-thinking board.

If you are a senior, results-focused professional in the materials handling sector looking for your next challenge, this role offers both responsibility and reward.

INDHP If you would like to know more about this position, then please forward your CV to (url removed) immediately. If you would like to discuss this position, please call (phone number removed) and ask to speak to Chloe.

Please note Alecto Recruitment are acting as an employment business in relation to this vacancy.