Uk Managing Director

Approach People Recruitment; Bourne End; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Managing Director to lead their UK operations. This pivotal role involves driving business growth and financial performance while ensuring operational excellence within the FMCG sector. The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s degree and extensive experience in management, business strategy, and the writing instruments industry. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of a prestigious brand, fostering innovation, and building strong customer relationships. If you are ready to take on this exciting challenge and lead a renowned brand into its next era of success, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in management and business strategy is required.
• Strong understanding of financial principles and budgeting is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall strategy and performance of PPUK in alignment with company objectives.
• Develop and manage annual budgets and sales targets to drive growth.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Business Development

Financial Management

Sales and Marketing Strategy

Logistics Management

Education

Master Degree or MBA in Sales and Marketing

Job description

At Approach People Recruitment, we connect top talent with prestigious, internationally renowned companies. With offices across Europe —including UK and Ireland—we have a strong presence in both local and global markets. Whether you're looking for a career move in the UK or seeking international opportunities, our expert team is here to support you. With deep industry knowledge and an extensive employer network, we help professionals like you secure roles with leading organizations. Let us guide you toward your next great opportunity!

We are currently recruiting for Pilot UK, one of the leader brand known for innovation and excellence in writing instruments, a :

UK Managing Director
PILOT (FMCG industry)
For over 100 years, Pilot has been at the forefront of innovation, creating high-quality writing instruments that empower people to achieve what matters most. As a prestigious Japanese company with a global presence, Pilot is recognized for its commitment to excellence, creativity, and sustainability.
We are currently seeking an experienced General Manager to lead Pilot UK, driving growth and success in the UK market.
Location: Permanent position based in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire – Near Slough – Strong on-site presence is required. Open to business travel through UK, and occasionally France (Directing sales and marketing strategy in Europe) and Japan (HQ).

MISSIONS
Reports to the CEO of Pilot Corporation of Europe (PCE). Leads, plans, and directs the overall strategy and performance of PPUK in alignment with current and long-term objectives, policies, and initiatives approved by PCE. Drives business growth and expansion while maximizing financial performance. Provides leadership to position PPUK as a sustainable industry leader. Leads multiple management committees to ensure effective operations and corporate governance.

PRIMARY RESPONSABILITIES
Strategic Leadership

• Provides strategic leadership to PCE and the PPUK management team, leading the development of PPUK’s business plan, strategies, and policies in liaison with PCE and Pilot Corporation to advance company objectives while ensuring PCE synergy.
• Develops and maintains relationships with integral PCE and Pilot Corporation facilities and operations to understand production and corporate operations and facilitate efficient business solutions that support PCE and grow PPUK business.
• Develops and manages PPUK's annual budget and sales targets (Profit & Loss) in line with the annual budget approved by PCE and Pilot Corporation, including functional internal budgets.
• Prepares an annual business plan and, when feasible, a 3-year plan in collaboration with PCE and coordinates with other board members to ensure effective implementation.
• Leads the PPUK management team in achieving annual sales, operating income, and expense ratio targets, driving year-over-year sales growth as approved by PCE and its CEO.
• Maintains full responsibility for analysing and managing PPUK's financial performance, including P&L, sales, costs, and expenses (with particular attention to personnel and advertising expenses), while continuously monitoring company performance.
  

Business Development

• Works with the Sales and Marketing Teams to develop and execute sales and marketing strategies that maintain and win business, increase account penetration, launch new product campaigns aligned with PCE’s European strategy, and drive innovation to boost PPUK profitability, sharing insights with PCE and PC Group as appropriate.
• Promotes PPUK and its products, building top-level customer relationships while directing sales and marketing efforts.

Logistics/Operations

• Manages all logistics functions, including transportation and contract management, ensuring optimal resource utilization and operational accuracy.

General Administration

• Oversees administrative functions, including IT, HR, Finance, and Accounting, to ensure smooth operations.
• Collaborates with the Internal Sales Department and PCE subsidiaries to maintain strong relationships, while identifying risks and opportunities affecting PPUK operations.
• Implements strategic guidelines set by PCE and the Pilot Group.
• Represents PPUK at community, industry, and business meetings to promote the company and its brand.

What We’re Looking For
Master Degree or MBA in Sales and Marketing and a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in management, business strategy, planning, and consumer products is required.
Extensive knowledge of the retail, office supply, e-commerce and Stationery/writing instrument industries or FMCG sector is required.
Strong understanding of financial principles, including budgeting, balance sheets, income statements, cash flow management, and capital planning is required.
Experience working with global organizations and/or Japanese companies, especially in international and cross-cultural settings, is preferred.

Ready to Take on This Exciting Challenge?
If you are a visionary leader with a passion for driving business success and growing an internationally recognized brand, we want to hear from you!
Apply now and lead Pilot Pen UK into its next era of success!