Confidential Recruiter Looking for General Manager at Buffalo, NY Full Time

Our client is a regional wholesale food manufacturing and distribution company started in Buffalo over 30 years ago. Today, they are regarded as the premier wholesale fresh food and fruit processor/ distributor in the region. Its customer base includes major food and fruit sellers such as national grocery chains (Wegmans and Tops included), schools and day-care centers across Western New York and other regions in New York State. Unlike some larger big-brand food distributors, our client is vigilant about individualized service, and focuses on getting to know each of its customers specific needs. The leadership team and employees share a philosophy of quality without compromise. Their path to success has been disciplined and their preferred customer shares the same philosophy. 

The Opportunity

The General Manager (GM) works under the supervision and guidance of the owner who is President and CEO. They are responsible for leading just about every phase of the operations of the business through a team of managers and other team members. This individual is hands-on and must be a strong leader who can develop and motivate the staff while also taking an active role in many of the day-to-day operations. She/he must be highly ethical, trustworthy and embrace the business as if it were their own. This position requires someone who is highly process-oriented in food manufacturing and/or distribution procedures and is laser-focused on sustainable growth and profitability. We need a leader who is highly strategic, but can also understand, roll their sleeves up and maintain day-to-day operations. We also want someone who is seeking a longer-term position with potential for equity.

This individual should be an energetic, hands-on leader with a demonstrated record of achieving profitable growth. The right person must be able to relate well to a diverse employee population and markets of varying sophistication. The successful candidate will combine experience in building operating capabilities while demonstrating a thorough grasp of the economic drivers of a successful business. Maturity, creativity, versatility, adaptability, and self-confidence, combined with the right measure of humility and humor, will be just some of the personality traits of the person selected for this role.

Responsibilities

• Assists the owner and other management in the development and formulation of long and short-range growth planning, operational policies, and annual goals and objectives.
• Assist the owner in developing strategic initiatives, from product diversification to new plant opening to employee-related retention planning.
• Develops the production planning model that establishes procedures for maintaining high standards of production to ensure that products conform to established customer, company, and industry quality standards.
• Sets and manages to key performance indicators (KPI’s).
• Achieves optimum employee staffing and productivity levels with least amount of overhead and food costs that meet annual budgetary plan.
• Builds a positive work environment for team, and navigates thoughtfully across all levels of the organization.
• Formulates and recommends manufacturing policies and programs that guide the organization in maintaining and improving its competitive position and the profitability of the operation.
• Directs and monitors department supervisors to accomplish goals of the production plan, consistent with established production and safety procedures. Acts as liaison between department supervisors/subordinate levels and the leadership team to inform personnel of internal communications, decisions, policies, and all matters that affect their performance, attitudes, and results.
• Hires, trains, develops, and evaluates staff. Takes corrective action on a timely basis and in accordance with company policy. Ensures compliance with current federal, state, and local regulations. Consults with Human Resources as appropriate.
• Identifies, recommends, and implements changes to improve productivity and reduce cost and scrap, monitor scrap and rework data.
• Directs and coordinates various programs essential to production procedures (e.g., training, safety, housekeeping, cost reduction, worker involvement, security, etc.).
• Initiates and coordinates major projects (e.g., plant layout changes, installation of capital equipment, major repairs, etc.).
• Perform miscellaneous duties and projects as assigned and required.

Required Skills and Background

• BA/BS in industrial, food management, or business administration, or a four-year degree in a related discipline.
• 10+ years’ experience as a General Manager or similar position managing a significant segment of a large food processor or manufacturer/distributor or the entire operation of a smaller related business.
• Supply Chain and or Manufacturing background would be a plus.
• Must have a strong mechanical aptitude.
• Possess financial acumen consistent with what is needed to run a profitable business.
• Ability to think strategically and deliver executable plans to achieve overall goals.
• Knowledge of food safety.

Competencies

• Leadership
• Ethical
• Dedicated
• Passionate about what they do
• Performance Management
• Communication Proficiency
• Technical Capacity
• Stress Management/Composure
• Business Acumen
• Problem Solving/Analysis
• Loyal
• Sense of humor