Job Description: General Manager

 

The Paint Shop Cornwall | Wadebridge, Cornwall

Position: General Manager
Location: Wadebridge, Cornwall – Head Office
Employment Type: Full-time
Reporting to: Board of Directors
Direct Reports: Department Managers across sales and operations

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About The Paint Shop Cornwall

The Paint Shop Cornwall is an ambitious, forward-thinking business that has grown year on year through a combination of exceptional customer service, specialist product knowledge, strong trade relationships and a passionate team.

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Serving professional decorators, construction contractors, trade customers and retail customers alike, we have established a reputation for going above and beyond, delivering a level of service that sets us apart from our competitors and continues to fuel our growth.

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With a network of retail and showroom operations alongside a comprehensive e-commerce department, we operate in a dynamic and increasingly competitive market. Our success is built on understanding our customers, knowing our products and having a team that genuinely cares about delivering the right solutions.

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As we continue to develop and expand, we are seeking an exceptional General Manager to lead the next stage of our journey.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for a commercially minded, sales-driven individual who understands the paint and decorating industry, shares our customer-first philosophy and has the experience, energy and ambition to help take our business to the next level.

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The Opportunity

 

Reporting exclusively to the Board of Directors, the General Manager will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day leadership, performance and development of the business, overseeing sales and operations through a team of department managers.

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This is a pivotal role requiring a strong balance of commercial awareness, operational discipline, people leadership and industry expertise. You will be responsible for ensuring that every department performs to its full potential while maintaining the exceptional customer service standards and service levels that have become synonymous with The Paint Shop Cornwall.

We are looking for a leader who can translate strategic objectives into practical results, identify opportunities for further growth, develop our management team and ensure the business continues to evolve without losing the personal service and positive culture that underpin our success.

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The successful candidate will be equally comfortable discussing commercial strategy with the Board, supporting department managers, strengthening supplier relationships and understanding the practical challenges faced by a professional decorator working on site.

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Above all, you will be a natural fit for our forward-thinking, positive and ambitious team.

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Key Responsibilities

 

Commercial Leadership & Sales Growth

• Take overall responsibility for the commercial performance of the business, driving sales growth, profitability and sustainable expansion.

• Develop and implement sales strategies that strengthen our position in the market and maximise opportunities across trade, retail and e-commerce channels.

• Identify new markets, customer groups, product opportunities and revenue streams that support the company's long-term ambitions.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, professional decorators, construction contractors, trade accounts and industry partners.

• Work closely with department managers to establish clear objectives, monitor performance and deliver measurable commercial results.

• Champion a proactive, sales-led culture that focuses on customer retention, new business development and long-term relationship building.

• Monitor market conditions, competitor activity and industry trends to ensure the business remains commercially competitive.

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Operational Management

• Oversee the effective day-to-day running of the business, ensuring all departments operate efficiently and consistently.

• Lead and support department managers, establishing clear responsibilities, performance expectations and accountability.

• Ensure operational processes, systems and service levels support continued growth without compromising quality.

• Maintain excellent stock availability, product range management and supply chain performance in collaboration with suppliers and internal teams.

• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, margins and the overall customer experience.

• Ensure that the business has the right structures, processes and resources in place to support its future development.

• Oversee operational challenges proactively, making informed decisions that balance customer requirements, commercial priorities and business capacity.

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Customer Experience & Service Excellence

• Protect and strengthen the outstanding customer service reputation that differentiates The Paint Shop Cornwall from its competitors.

• Ensure consistently high service standards across all customer touchpoints, including store, showroom, telephone, email and e-commerce.

• Embed a customer-first culture throughout the business, ensuring every department understands its role in delivering an exceptional experience.

• Maintain a clear understanding of the needs of professional decorators, contractors, trade customers and retail customers.

• Address service issues effectively, using feedback and customer insight to drive continuous improvement.

• Ensure our teams have the knowledge, confidence and resources required to provide accurate technical advice and recommend the right products for each application.

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People Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of department managers, encouraging ownership, accountability and high performance.

• Build upon our positive, collaborative and commercially focused culture that reflects the values and ambitions of The Paint Shop Cornwall.

• Develop management capability through regular communication, coaching, performance reviews and ongoing training.

• Ensure teams understand the company's objectives and are aligned with its wider commercial and operational priorities.

• Identify talent, support succession planning and help create opportunities for individuals to progress within the business.

• Maintain high standards of professionalism while preserving the approachable, supportive environment that has contributed to our success.

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Supplier Relationships & Industry Expertise

• Develop strong, productive relationships with paint and sundries manufacturers, suppliers and key industry partners.

• Use industry knowledge and established connections to secure commercial opportunities, improve supplier support and strengthen product propositions.

• Understand the challenges of the paint supply chain, including product availability, lead times, pricing, manufacturer relationships and stock management.

• Balance supplier capabilities and commercial terms against the practical requirements of customers working in demanding decorating and construction environments.

• Work with suppliers to identify new products, training opportunities and initiatives that add value for our customers.

• Maintain a strong understanding of the paint and decorating market, including product technology, application requirements, emerging trends and customer expectations.

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Business Development & Continuous Improvement

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to deliver the company's strategic objectives and long-term growth plans.

• Translate board-level strategy into clear operational plans, priorities and performance measures.

• Review business performance regularly, identifying opportunities, risks and areas for improvement.

• Use relevant sales, margin, stock, service and operational data to inform decisions and improve results.

• Support the development of our retail, showroom and e-commerce operations as customer expectations and market opportunities evolve.

• Encourage innovation, challenge established processes where appropriate and ensure the business remains progressive and adaptable.

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The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for an experienced, commercially astute leader with a genuine understanding of the paint industry and the ability to bring people, products and business performance together.

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You will ideally have developed your career within a paint manufacturer, paint brand, specialist decorating retailer or independent multi-store retail business.

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You may have held a senior commercial or sales leadership position representing a recognised paint brand or manufacturer, or you may have progressed through an independent retail organisation where you have gained extensive experience of managing multiple departments, teams and customer channels.

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Whatever your background, you will understand the industry from both sides: the commercial and supply challenges faced by manufacturers and distributors, and the practical demands placed on suppliers by professional decorators, construction contractors and retail customers.

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Essential Attributes

• Strong commercial acumen, with a proven ability to drive sales, improve performance and deliver sustainable business growth.

• A sound understanding of the paint and decorating industry, including products, finishes, preparation and application requirements.

• Excellent leadership skills, with experience managing managers and motivating teams towards shared objectives.

• A strong customer-first mentality and an appreciation of the service standards required to build long-term customer loyalty.

• The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on operational leadership.

• Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.

• A positive, energetic and forward-thinking approach to business.

• The confidence to make decisions, take ownership and drive accountability.

• An analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret business performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

• A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, develops people and brings teams together within our upbeat spirit.

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Desirable Experience

• Senior-level experience within a paint manufacturer, paint brand or specialist decorating retail business.

• Experience managing or influencing a store retail operation.

• An established network of contacts within the decorating, construction, paint manufacturing or wider trade sector.

• Experience managing supplier relationships, purchasing, stock availability and supply chain challenges.

• Experience overseeing multiple sales channels, including physical retail and e-commerce.

• A track record of leading business growth, improving commercial performance and developing high-performing management teams.

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What Success Looks Like

The successful General Manager will quickly establish credibility with the Board, the management team, suppliers and customers.

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They will create clarity of direction, strengthen accountability and ensure every department understands its contribution to the wider business. Sales opportunities will be pursued proactively, operational performance will be closely managed and customer service will remain at the heart of every decision.

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Most importantly, they will help The Paint Shop Cornwall continue its impressive growth trajectory while protecting the reputation, relationships and positive team culture that have made the business successful.

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Why Join The Paint Shop Cornwall?

This is an opportunity to join an ambitious and growing independent business at a significant stage in its development.

You will have direct access to the Board of Directors, genuine influence over the direction of the business and the opportunity to shape its next phase of growth.

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For the right individual, this represents more than a senior management appointment. It is a long term career opportunity to make a meaningful commercial impact, build a high-performing team and help develop a business with a strong reputation and clear ambitions for the future.

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Apply Now

If you are a commercially driven leader with a passion for the paint industry, a strong understanding of the trade and the ability to inspire people while delivering results, we would welcome a conversation.

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We are looking for someone who shares our ambition, embraces our customer-focused approach and wants to play a leading role in the continued success of The Paint Shop Cornwall.

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The right person will bring the experience to lead today, the commercial instinct to grow tomorrow and the passion to help take The Paint Shop Cornwall to the next level with the directors.