Managing Director – Navigator MSL, the leading supplier to plumbing merchants across the UK!

Significant growth opportunities!
Well-established, financially secure, privately owned business
Strong foundations, excellent operational facilities with space and investment available for further growth!

Navigator MSL was first formed in 1936 under the name Metal Supplies Ltd. There has been high-quality distribution from the current premises for more than 40 years.

The company is a wholly independent business, which focuses on providing an unmatched supply service to the plumbing merchant and distribution industry. Operational activities are centred around Sharnbrook near Bedford.

Technical expertise is key to their success and has steadily been built up over a long period of time, with many members of staff having more than 10 years of experience and several senior personnel having more than 25 years.

This experience coupled with the ambition and dynamism provided by all their people has seen the business grow to become the premier independent plumbing supplier in the UK. The product range now boasts more than 4,500 lines and the supply chain expertise which has been developed within the plumbing metals sector has been successfully applied to ranges such as copper & brass fittings and valves, plastic pipe systems, magnetic filters, hand tools and plumbing consumables.

Navigator is leading the way in plumbing parts distribution through its network of almost 2,500 customers in the UK.

Current MD Andrew Smith is planning for retirement in 2026, so won’t disappear immediately! There’ll be a smooth transition, and he’ll stay with the group part-time to support projects and offer advice when required.

Suitable candidates should have a successful track record in a similar MD or Sales Director role for a medium-sized £30m+ distribution business: high SKU, multiple categories and have delivered a successful growth strategy. Whilst building or plumbing products industry experience is beneficial it is not essential. Experience in a multi-channel environment is also required with automation and digitalisation. It goes without saying that you’ll also need excellent leadership, people management and financial skills.

The role will involve regular travel to key customers and possibly to join the purchasing team in the Far East for sourcing. Candidates should live within reasonable commuting distance of the Sharnbrook office, as they will need to be visible there.

There is an excellent growth opportunity here, with an entrepreneurial culture and quick decision-making – there’s no corporate bureaucracy or burning platforms here!

To apply send your CV to nick@wilsonbrook.com at our retained consultants Wilson Brook: www.wilsonbrook.com

Any direct applications will be sent to Wilson Brook

Navigator MSL Ltd

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