General Manager – Trade & Independent Retail Channel

Job title: General Manager – Trade & Independents Retail Channel

Location: Midlands/Home Counties - Hybrid

Salary: upto £110,000 basic + generous bonus + car allowance + benefits

Sector: Stationery, Arts/Crafts, Greetings. Seasonal, Gift and Toys

Job type: Permanent

Job reference: RG/98760

Are you a strategic leader with a proven track record in trade and independent retail channel sales? We are seeking an experienced General Manager – Trade & Independents to drive growth, develop high-performing teams, and expand market presence across the independent retail and wholesale channel within this highly successful business.

The company:

Cavendish Maine are pleased to be working on an exclusive and retained basis with this true market leading business - our client has excellent market presence and reputation, supplying both the independent retail and wholesale channel as well as major high street, grocery, convenience and online retailers. With a fantastic and extensive portfolio of creatively designed stationery, arts/crafts, greetings, seasonal, gift and toy related products, they are widely recognised and respected as a key player within their industry and have an incredible track record of success.

The role:

As Head of the Trade & Independent channel, you will take ownership of the division’s strategic direction and operational management. You will lead and inspire a talented sales team, nurture strong client relationships, and identify opportunities to grow existing business while exploiting new business opportunities. This is a key leadership position requiring both strategic vision and hands-on execution.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Field Sales Team, Account Managers, and supporting staff.
• Develop and implement strategic direction, aligning division objectives with company goals.
• Drive revenue growth and profitability across all trade and independent accounts through continuous improvement across the team.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities nationally and internationally.
• Review & expand the current customer base to deliver growth in new markets, UK and export channels.
• Build and maintain executive-level relationships with key clients, acting as a trusted advisor.
• Oversee recruitment, training, succession planning, and team performance.
• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and emerging opportunities to inform strategy.
• Develop and report on divisional KPIs, financial forecasts, and performance metrics.
• Represent the company at trade shows, exhibitions, and networking events to enhance brand presence.

The person:

The successful candidate will have proven senior sales/general management experience within FMCG product sectors such as stationery, arts/crafts, greetings, seasonal, gift or toy related products with an in-depth understanding of the independent retail and wholesale channel ranging from customers such as garden centres, stationery, gift, home and toy retailers and wholesalers.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Proven experience leading and developing sales teams within trade or independent channels.
• Strong commercial acumen with a history of driving measurable revenue growth.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to turn market insights into actionable plans.
• Excellent relationship management and negotiation skills.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and mentoring capabilities.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in reporting and planning.

Contact:

Consultant: Rina Gokani

Email: rina@cavendishmaine.com

Tel: 01275 813027

Candidate care:

By responding to this advert you consent to Cavendish Maine processing the personal data included within this application.

If your application is successful we will contact you to discuss the opportunity in more detail, within 48 hours of receiving your application.

Should you not hear from us within 3 working days please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please be advised that if unsuccessful for this role we may keep your details in our hold file, during which time you may be contacted for other suitable vacancies.  If you do not want us to do this please call us to advise.

In the meantime, we would like to thank you for your interest in Cavendish Maine.