About NextStep

NextStep connects top consulting talent with high-potential opportunities through smart, AI-powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact. On behalf of a client in our partner network, we are currently looking for a General Manager to join their team.

About the Company

Our client is a PE-backed premium consumer goods business headquartered in London, operating a portfolio of well-loved lifestyle and nutrition brands sold across DTC, retail, and foodservice channels in the UK and Europe. Backed by a consumer-focused growth equity fund, the business has revenues of £45m and is entering its most ambitious phase of expansion, launching into three new European markets and building a direct-to-consumer capability from scratch. The General Manager will lead the largest brand in the portfolio and report directly to the Group CEO.

The Role

As General Manager, you will have full accountability for the brand, including P&L ownership, commercial strategy, team leadership, and operational delivery. This is a rare opportunity to run a real business with meaningful scale, real autonomy, and the resources of a well-capitalised PE-backed group behind you.

What You'll Do

• Own the full P&L for the brand, including revenue, margin, and EBITDA targets agreed with the Group CEO and PE sponsor.
• Define and execute the brand's commercial strategy across DTC, retail, and foodservice channels in the UK and target European markets.
• Lead and develop a team of 25, spanning commercial, marketing, operations, and supply chain.
• Drive the European market entry programme, building the channel strategy, identifying distribution partners, and managing the launch timeline.
• Partner with Group functions (Finance, Procurement, HR) while maintaining the agility and culture of an entrepreneurial brand business.

What We're Looking For

• 10–15 years of experience, with at least 3 years in a General Manager, Managing Director, or equivalent P&L leadership role within a consumer goods, FMCG, or retail business.
• Track record of delivering commercial growth and building effective teams in a fast-moving consumer environment.
• Strong understanding of multi-channel consumer go-to-market strategy (retail, DTC, and wholesale).
• Commercially sharp with the financial literacy to own a P&L and engage credibly with a PE Board.
• Experience in premium or lifestyle consumer brands is a meaningful advantage.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary of £120,000 – £150,000, depending on experience.
• Annual bonus linked to brand P&L performance.
• Equity co-investment opportunity aligned with the PE fund.
• Private health cover, enhanced pension, and hybrid working from London.

How to Apply

To be considered for this role, please create your profile at getnextstep.com. Once your profile is complete, our matching system will evaluate your background against the role criteria and match you with the company if it's a strong fit. No cover letter required.

This role is listed by NextStep on behalf of our client. All applications are handled with confidentiality.