General Manager

With a leading food manufacturing company, this role will have oversight of two facilities, allowing cross-collaboration and leadership with the team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, delegating, coordinating, staffing, organizing, and decision-making processes to achieve profitable results while complying with regulatory and company policies.
• Develop and manage the operating plan to meet or exceed business objectives. Formulate strategies and tactics for achieving financial goals, present assumptions, and recommend objectives. Make accurate business projections.
• Establish pricing strategies to maximize operating income for the assigned business and the organization.
• Analyze cost drivers such as commodities, fuel, and resin to determine selling prices. Utilize a deep understanding of customers, market conditions, and competitors to set market-appropriate prices.
• Work with operations management to direct production activities, with marketing management to successfully launch new products and improve existing ones, and with distribution management to develop strategies and initiatives to optimize distribution.
• Lead cross-functional projects related to growth opportunities, continuous improvement, and other key business initiatives. Set clear direction for project teams, involve appropriate personnel and functions, and ensure the effective implementation of standard processes and tools.
• Achieve project objectives through coordinated and integrated efforts, using a collaborative approach to ensure successful execution of new initiatives.
• Manage business unit and company risk 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 with next-level management and legal counsel as needed.
• Communicate company goals and help establish objectives that align with business and organizational goals. Clearly convey business direction, focus, and goals.
• Provide direction, mentoring, training, and development planning for managers. Identify and retain highly effective personnel through proper selection, training, and task assignment. Work actively with direct reports to develop their capabilities and utilize their strengths to support career development and succession planning.
• Lead with a positive mindset, fostering a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and quality.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; MBA is a plus.
• 12+ years of experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably in food and/or beverage manufacturing, including profit and loss and financial responsibilities.
• 4+ years of people management experience, including leading senior managers and multiple departments.
• Previous experience with Direct Store Distribution (DSD) sales and distribution is preferred.
• Knowledge of product costing and pricing; familiarity with commodity-based costing and dairy industry regulations is a plus.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and adjust approaches as needed.
• Strong understanding of financials, sales and marketing, manufacturing, and distribution processes.
• Ability to establish and manage effective relationships with internal staff, external customers, business partners, and vendors.

Benefits

• Health and welfare benefits starting the 1st of the month after the start date.
• 401(k) with company contribution.
• Competitive pay.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Career growth opportunities with internal promotions.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits.
• Service recognition and employee rewards.
• Employee referral program.
• Tuition reimbursement.