General Manager

General Manager 

As the General Manager of the Products business, the individual is at the forefront of a dynamic, growth-oriented manufacturing company. With responsibility for the companies products business, including fiber optic equipment, solenoid coils, additive software solutions, and other products, this role involves full P&L responsibilities. Leading the Fiber Optics team, the General Manager oversees commercial, operational, and engineering aspects, collaborating with cross-functional groups to manage other core products. Frequent interaction with manufacturing facility leaders, commercial leaders, and overall company leadership is expected.

Job Functions:

• Develop and execute strategic plans for business growth, aligning with financial objectives.
• Provide visionary leadership that aligns company goals with industry trends and customer needs.
• Oversee all financial aspects, including budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and profitability.
• Take ownership of Profit and Loss (P&L) responsibilities, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.
• Collaborate with the finance team for monthly and quarterly margin analysis and improvement execution.
• Communicate results and strategic objectives regularly across organizational levels.
• Drive sales growth and market expansion for increased market share and revenue.
• Foster strong client relationships, negotiate contracts, and identify new business opportunities.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with distributors, managing channel partnerships and ensuring optimal distribution network performance.
• Implement strategies to enhance distribution channel efficiency, monitor sales, and drive collaborative efforts for market penetration and product availability.
• Provide guidance to the product development team, overseeing innovation and quality assurance in fiber optics manufacturing.
• Coordinate with the Operations team for accurate lead times aligned with product demand, ensuring efficiency, quality, and timely delivery.
• Streamline processes and optimize operational performance in manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics.
• Lead the team in identifying and deploying continuous improvement projects for product quality, reliability, and cost.
• Build and mentor a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, train, and retain top talent, promoting professional growth within the organization.
• Effectively communicate company goals, strategies, and performance to stakeholders, employees, and the board of directors.

Requirements:

• Ability to formulate and execute strategic plans aligned with business objectives to navigate industry trends.
• Strong understanding of financial metrics, budgeting, and P&L management, including experience working with data to drive informed decisions.
• Capability to drive profitability and manage costs effectively.
• Proven track record in driving sales growth, expanding market share, and expanding products into new markets through a direct and indirect sales channel.
• Proficiency in managing and optimizing distribution channels for market penetration and product availability.
• Technical understanding of fiber optics or related engineering fields.
• Experience in guiding engineering teams, ensuring product quality and innovation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey strategies and performance to stakeholders.
• Collaborative approach in engaging with cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Embrace innovation and promote a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
• A hands-on leader with unquestioned integrity and ethics, with a desire to work in a growing, dynamic, mission-driven, and values-based organization.
• Computer aptitude (Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field, plus 10 years of related experience in a technical environment.
• At least eight years in a senior management, commercial, or operations leadership capacity in a global environment.
• Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and/or six sigma practices.
• Strong business acumen and strategic thought leadership, with the demonstrated ability to translate business needs into effective strategies and actions.
• Experience working independently in a highly decentralized, process-oriented, and hands-on organization with the ability to resourcefully innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing, fast-paced, and highly complex environment.
• Drive for results, demonstrated success serving business clients, and experience in developing and implementing change initiatives.
• Advanced degree or MBA preferred.