Managing Director, UK - Contract Furniture

Irving Knight Group; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading contract furniture manufacturer seeks an experienced leader to oversee UK operations. The role requires strong commercial acumen, proven business development skills, and an established network in the industry. Responsibilities include strategic planning, financial oversight, and team leadership within a sustainability-focused environment. The ideal candidate will have a background in the contract furniture market and a solid track record of performance management.

Qualifications

• Must have contract furniture market leadership/directorship experience within the UK.
• Demonstrable experience in designing and developing business plans.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Control and oversee all business operations for the UK.
• Provide strategic advice to the board and Chairperson.
• Develop and execute the company's business strategies.
• Oversee financial performance and investments.
• Strengthen and expand commercial partnerships through networking.
• Lead and motivate the UK team.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Business development

Relationship management

Negotiation abilities

Leadership skills

Analytical skills

Job description

• Control and oversee all business operations, people and ventures for the UK business, working for an international manufacturer of contract chairs, tables, and furnishings for community, work, and home.
• They sell through the A&D and dealer communities to win specifications in commercial interiors, in workplace, hospitality and higher education.
• You will be responsible for the overall success of the business, able of coordinating marketing, commercial and logistics projects in line with the indication of the HQ.
• You will have a strong commercial acumen and excellent business development capabilities, supported by a wide network of professional relationships, with a solid portfolio of contacts with dealers, A&D firms etc.
• Develop and execute the company's business strategies in order to attain the goals of the board and shareholders.
• Provide strategic advice to the board and Chairperson so that they will have accurate view of the market and the company's future.
• Prepare and implement comprehensive business plans to facilitate achievement by planning cost-effective operations and market development activities.
• Ensure company policies and legal guidelines are communicated all the way from the top down in the company and that they are followed at all times.
• Communicate and maintain trust relationships with shareholders, business partners and authorities.
• Strengthen and expand commercial partnerships through proactive networking and relationship management.
• Oversee the company's financial performance, investments and other business ventures.
• Delegate responsibilities and supervise the work of executives providing guidance and motivation to drive maximum performance.
• Read all submitted reports by lower rank managers to reward performance, prevent issues and resolve problems.
• Act as the public speaker and public relations representative and ambassador of the company in ways that strengthen its profile.
• Analyze problematic situations and occurrences and provide solutions to ensure company survival and growth.
• Lead and motivate the UK team
  Must have contract furniture market leadership / directorship experience within the UK.
• A deep knowledge of the market, competitors and product range it is requested.
• Possess a strong commercial flair and persuasive negotiation abilities, combined with an aptitude for developing long-term client relationships.
• Demonstrable experience in designing and developing business plans.
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and measures of performance.
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills Outstanding analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• European HQ
• Turnover of ~€70M, with presence in 5 continents.
• 200+ employees globally, team of ~5 in UK.
• Strong focus on sustainability, the first furniture company to utilise pioneering impact valuation, a methodology that quantifies social and environmental impacts in monetary terms, moving beyond traditional qualitative assessments.