Managing Director

Client of The Global Search Company

The opportunity

Own full P&L for a multi-site, multi-format retail business (superstores, convenience, and online). Partner with an experienced Board to set strategy, sharpen execution, and build a high-performing leadership team across Operations, Commercial/Buying, Supply Chain, Digital, Finance, and People.

Key responsibilities

• Define and deliver a 3 5 year growth strategy balancing market share, margin, and cash.
• Run a safe, compliant, customer-obsessed operation across hundreds of sites.
• Drive Commercial excellence: category strategy, own-label, supplier partnerships, pricing & promotions.
• Accelerate digital & e-commerce (click & collect, rapid delivery, loyalty, data/CRM).
• Strengthen supply chain resilience: availability, waste reduction, cost efficiency.
• Elevate brand, NPS and community impact; champion ESG and responsible retailing.
• Develop and succession-plan a diverse exec team; embed a high-performance culture.
• Manage stakeholders: Board, investors, colleagues/unions, regulators, communities.
• Govern with rigor: H&S, food safety, and data protection/privacy compliance.

About you

• Proven MD/COO/CCO (or divisional GM) in grocery or large-format retail with full P&L ownership.
• Track record converting strategy to measurable results in a multi-site environment (thousands+ colleagues).
• Depth in commercial buying/category, store operations, and digital retail; data-led decision maker.
• Credible, inclusive leader; exceptional communicator from Board to frontline.
• Strong grasp of retail regulations, health & safety, and food standards.