Location:
Tauranga
Reports To:
Chief Executive
Team:
Management
Key Relationships:
Chief Executive, Office Manager, Procurement Officer, IT Officer, Operations Manager, Head of Production, Pack Room Leader, Dispatch Team, Engineer, Chief Food Technologist, Compliance Officer
Role Purpose
The General Manager leads the strategic direction and day‑to‑day operations of the business, ensuring the business operates efficiently and in alignment with the company’s mission of delivering high‑quality, value‑added food products. This role requires a dynamic leader capable of driving business growth, optimising operational performance, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all areas of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities & Expected Deliverables:
- Strategic Operational Oversight
- Oversee production scheduling and ensure alignment with operational plans.
- Liaise with the Production team to ensure schedules are met.
- Work closely with the Procurement Officer to maintain appropriate stock levels within the company’s “just in time” inventory model.
- Oversee dispatch of finished goods.
- Manage customer relationships for third‑party contract manufacturing.
- Manage supermarket relationships for retail products, including annual in‑store promotional planning.
- Oversee distribution and agency partnerships.
- Financial Analysis
- Conduct product costings and margin analysis.
- Analyse sales performance and trends.
- Audit input costs—including freight, raw materials, and packaging—comparing costed versus invoiced amounts.
- General Responsibilities:
- Participate in internal staff training initiatives.
- Lead and contribute to new product development projects.
- Undertake additional duties as reasonably requested from time to time.
Person Specification:
Experience, Technical Skills & Qualifications
- Proven experience as a General Manager or in a comparable executive leadership role.
- Experience in planning, budgeting, and operational management.
- Strong understanding of business processes and functions, including finance, HR, procurement, and operations.
- Strong leadership capability, ideally aligned with a servant‑leadership approach.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
- Highly organised with strong prioritisation skills.
- Adaptable, solutions‑focused, and able to work effectively in a team environment.
- Strong customer focus and attention to detail.
