Regional Business Manager

The Regional Business Manager Role
Reporting to the Group Regional Director, this is a senior leadership role with full commercial and operational responsibility for our flagship Northwest Regional Distribution Centre in Heywood.
With P&L accountability, you'll lead the site's sales, procurement and logistics functions, setting the strategic direction and ensuring sustainable, profitable growth. You'll combine strategic leadership with a hands-on approach, personally influencing sales performance, customer relationships, service excellence, operational standards and cost control.
A key part of your role will be leading and developing a high-performing team, creating a positive and accountable culture whilst ensuring the site operates safely, efficiently and in line with wider Macfarlane Group strategy.
Key ResponsibilitiesLead the overall commercial and operational performance of the Heywood Regional Distribution Centre, with full P&L accountability.
Develop and deliver the site's annual business plan, setting clear sales, margin, service and profitability objectives.
Lead and develop the local sales function, driving new business, customer retention, account growth and commercial performance.
Take personal ownership of key strategic customer relationships and lead major account reviews and commercial opportunities where appropriate.
Oversee procurement, logistics and wider operational activity, ensuring effective coordination and consistently high service levels.
Analyse financial and commercial performance, taking proactive action to maximise sales, margin and site profitability.
Identify new revenue opportunities and alternative sources of income to support sustainable growth.
Encourage effective use of the Innovation Lab to support consultative customer engagement and solution-led sales.
Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders, promoting collaboration and sharing best practice across the wider Group.
Lead talent management, succession planning, performance management and recruitment across the site.
Maintain high standards of Health & Safety, security, compliance and people management, whilst monitoring performance and addressing emerging risks.
Promote a positive, high-performance culture aligned to Macfarlane's values and focused on exceptional customer service.

We're looking for an experienced senior leader who can combine strong commercial sales leadership with broad operational and site management capability. You'll ideally bring: Proven experience in a senior general management, site management or regional leadership role with commercial and operational accountability.
A strong track record of leading and developing sales teams and delivering sustainable revenue and profit growth.
Experience managing a sizeable distribution, logistics or fast-moving B2B operation.
Commercial and financial acumen, including experience of managing P&L performance, budgets, margins and business plans.
The ability to balance strategic thinking with a hands-on, highly visible leadership approach.
Strong customer relationship, negotiation and business development skills.
Proven experience of coaching, developing and motivating teams, including talent management and succession planning.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management and decision-making skills.
A strong commitment to Health & Safety, operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Packaging experience would be advantageous but is not essential. We would particularly welcome applications from leaders with experience gained within fast-moving distribution, wholesale, logistics or similarly customer-focused B2B environments. You should live within a reasonable commuting distance of our Heywood site, typically within less than one hour, or be genuinely open to relocating to the area. A valid UK driving licence is essential.

Protecting what matters, together
We're dedicated to protecting what matters most - our people, our customers, our communities and the environment. At Macfarlane Packaging, our commitment to customer satisfaction, sustainability and continual improvement creates a highly collaborative, supportive and friendly workplace where you can unpack a career that grows.
With over 75 years of heritage, we combine the stability of an established market leader with the ambition and pace of a business focused on continued growth. Our fast-paced, results-driven environment will challenge and stretch you, whilst providing genuine opportunities for personal and professional development.
We provide competitive rewards and flexible benefits, alongside a culture that values commitment, teamwork, adaptability and continuous improvement. If you're a commercially astute leader who enjoys developing people, growing customers and improving business performance, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

We provide a competitive basic salary alongside a rewarding bonus and incentive structure linked to site performance, and a comprehensive flexible benefits package which can include: 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 days with service) plus all public/bank holidays
Additional Holiday Purchasing Scheme
Company car or cash allowance (including electric options)
Contributory pension scheme
Free parking at the majority of our site locations
Annual paid Volunteering Day
Employee Assistance Programme
Extensive training, leadership development and career progression opportunities
Employee discount scheme across major retail and leisure brands
Simply Health/Dental Cover option or BUPA cover for qualifying roles
Enhanced HR policies and family-friendly benefits
Long service awards
Charitable giving options
Financial support with eye tests and DSE glasses
EE Mobile discount scheme
Candidate referral scheme (£750 reward)

Your Future With Us
At Macfarlane Group, our senior leaders play a critical role in shaping the future of the business. This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of a significant regional operation whilst benefiting from the scale, stability and continued growth of a successful PLC.
You'll have access to structured leadership development, ongoing professional development and genuine opportunities to broaden your career across the wider Group as your experience and ambitions develop.