General Manager

Has overall responsibility for managing both the revenue and cost elements of a business' income statement, known as profit & loss responsibility. Manage assigned business including strategic business planning, annual operating plan, sales and marketing functions, as well as the day-to-day operations of the business including manufacturing and distribution. Manage the development and execution of the business plan and meet or exceed business KPIs and net income objectives through effective leadership of others.

This general manager job is a single incumbent role responsible for a single business or business line or multiple, smaller business lines.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for the effective planning, delegating, coordinating, staffing, organizing, and decision making to attain desirable profit-making results for a business or business line while adhering to regulatory and company policies
• Develop and manage the operating plan to meet or exceed business objectives. Determine strategies and tactics for achieving financial objectives, presenting assumptions and recommending objectives. Make sound business projections, identify the impact of budgetary assumption changes, and make appropriate adjustments
• Establish pricing strategies to maximize operating income for assigned business and the organization. Analyze cost drivers such as commodities, fuel, resin, etc., to determine selling price. Apply a deep understanding of customers, market conditions, and competitors to determine what the market will bear
• Partner with operations management teams to direct production activities; partner with marketing management to successfully commercialize new product launches and product improvements to the marketplace; and partner with distribution management to develop strategies and initiatives to optimize distribution
• Effectively lead cross-functional projects related to growth opportunities, continuous improvement, and other key business initiatives. Set clear direction for project teams and involve appropriate people and functions to design, develop and implement key continuous improvement initiatives and ensure standard processes, tool, etc., are implemented and leveraged effectively. Meet project objectives through well-coordinated and integrated work efforts. Use a collaborative approach to ensure that new initiatives are well-executed
• Effectively manage risk to the business unit and company by considering the legal implications of business decisions. Exercise sound judgment when entering into contractual agreements related to new business, facilities, school bids, distributors, etc. Consult next level manager and legal counsel as appropriate
• Communicate company goals and assist in establishing objectives that align with assigned business and organizational goals; communicate business direction, focus and goals
• Provide appropriate direction, mentoring, training, and development planning for managers. Identify and retain highly effective personnel through proper selection, training and task assignment. Actively work with direct reports to cultivate capabilities and utilize strengths to support career development and succession planning efforts
• Lead with a positive leadership mindset and strong communication style; effectively motivate and reward employees
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in related curriculum, preferred
• 10 or more years' experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food and/or beverage manufacturing, that includes profit and loss and financial responsibilities
• Previous experience working in a union environment required
• 4 or more years of people management experience that includes leading senior managers and multiple departments
• Proven track record of improved results in the areas of quality, safety, service and cost
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of the division's strategy, goals and objectives
• Strong insight into the organizational structure and stakeholder needs
• Strong understanding of financials, sales and marketing, and manufacturing and distribution processes
• Able to identify business process opportunities and develop/implement strategies for success
• Able to consider both strategic and practical implications for proposed course of action
• Able to build relationships with individuals across the organization
• Able to influence people in their opinions, attitudes, or judgments
• Able to bring project to successful completion through political sensitivity
• Able to establish effective relationships and independently manage those relations with all levels of internal staff and external customers, business partners, and vendors
• Able to demonstrate solid business judgment and decision-making skills
• Able to lead and inspire people and achieve results through others
• Able to interact and communicate effectively with employees and customers at various levels, including persuasive communication
• Able to understand the importance of managing the "people" issues related to the project
• Able to demonstrate a high level of comfort in changing environment and ability to adapt approach as the environment and requirements change
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel: 15% - 25% (1 - 2 times per quarter)

An Equal Opportunity Employer