There are jobs. There are opportunities…and then there are “once-in-a-lifetime opportunities".
Joe Produce Search is seeking to recruit a self-motivated, results-driven General Manager who has the potential to step into the CEO role for a first-rate produce Company.
Our client is a well-run, highly successful, full-line, direct receiver and distributor of fresh produce, and a recognized leader in the markets they serve. Those markets include national, regional and local retail accounts. They are the gold standard in wholesale distribution. Their reputation and success are rooted in a commitment to exceptional service, outstanding product, consistent value, and above all else, integrity. “Doing what’s right” drives every decision. Our client’s culture is positive, inclusive and family-like, with many long-term employees. From the loaders to management, this is a team.
Joe Produce has been engaged because the CEO has reached the point where it’s time to “hand over the reins” to the next leader. The new person will come in as the GM, work side-by-side with the CEO and, assuming that performance is solid, over the next 6 to 12 months, transition to CEO.
Our client is located in the Northeast. Not only is this a great place to have a DC and service several key markets, but also this a great place to live. The compensation package includes a competitive base salary, a bonus, an equity component, a solid health benefit package and a 401K plan.
The ideal candidate will be a well-rounded, seasoned and successful leader within fresh produce. They’ll be great with customers and team members. They’ll have sound and proven management skills including financial disciplines. Their understanding of the produce food chain will range from producers to the stores’ shelves.
The responsibilities below reflect the evolution of the position from GM to CEO.
- Formulating and implementing long- and short-range plans to achieve revenue and profitability objectives;
- Monitoring and reporting on key market trends, across all categories and growing regions;
- Continually improving operating results including sales, pricing/gross margin, working capital and overall profitability. Ensuring appropriate measures are implemented to correct unsatisfactory results.
- Establishing departmental and key personnel responsibilities and KPI’s ensuring a high level of accountability and performance;
- Overseeing the accuracy and soundness of the company's financial management, reporting and controls; meeting the debt covenants and providing accurate and timely communication with the lender;
- Managing inventory and service levels with a daily goal to achieve a 100% fill rate;
- Ever increasing managerial experience over the purchasing, sales, finance and logistics functions with increasing success;
- P&L and balance sheet management to achieve or exceed the budget;
- Evaluating acquisitions, where appropriate.
- A quick learner who can rapidly embrace a new organization, culture, and responsibilities;
- Minimum of 5 years as the General Manager, President, COO or Chief Operating Officer in a middle market company;
- Provide inspired leadership companywide;
- Make high-level decisions about policy and strategy;
- Report to the board of directors and keep them informed;
- Develop and implement operational policies and a strategic plan;
- Proven P&L responsibility for an enterprise;
- Demonstrated success delivering long-term profitable growth;
- Success in acquiring and/or handling long term customer relationships;
- Dollar margin focused with the ability to read and interpret profit and loss statements and understand how the categories managed are affected;
- Willingness to take a position, to show initiative, and to persevere in the face of significant challenges;
- A believer in measuring performance and return on investment; laser focus on equity value creation;
- Customer-centric can-do attitude;
- Ability to develop productive relationships with all members of the management team, Board, customers, vendors, etc.;
- Understanding of human resources and personnel management.
- Experience with corporate governance.
- Proven negotiation skills.
- Ability to understand new issues quickly and make wise decisions.
- Ability to inspire confidence and create trust.
- Ability to work under pressure, plan personal workload effectively and delegate.
- Strong communication skills;
- High integrity;
- Solid cultural fit;
- Excellent written and verbal skills;
- Ability to use Word and Excel; ERP system experience highly desirable;
- Strong work ethic/Ability to work varied hours/days as business dictates.
This Job has a $1,000 Referral Reward!
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If you would like to discuss this job opportunity in 100% confidentiality with a Joe Produce Search Consultant, please call Recruiting at 855-563-7763, or email recruiting@joeproduce.com |
