General Manager - Direct Distribution (Chicago, IL area) - Alliance Laundry Systems

Overview

The General Manager is responsible for improving efficiency and increasing profits while managing the overall sales and operations of their assigned Direct Distribution location(s). The GM will oversee several elements in the business, including but not limited to, people operations (staffing, performance management, employee experience, etc.), operating budgets, and selling strategy (launching price promotions, product/profit mix, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily business operations through effective leadership of the Operations, Sales, and Service Managers at the distribution location(s).
• Work closely with the Strategy & Operations Director and Commercial Regional GM to align location strategy with regional and business unit objectives.
• Develop and implement growth strategies to drive revenue of distribution location(s).
• Train and develop Operations, Sales, and Service Managers to be high performers that contribute to the success of their individual areas of scope and the collective distribution team.
• Partner with cross-functional support teams to optimize tools, systems, and processes.
• Work closely with legal and safety departments to ensure activities remain compliant.
• Create and manage budgets; review financial reports on a regular basis, analyzing P&L statements and other financial data.
• Oversee people operations, partnering closely with Corporate Human Resources for support and guidance.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
• 6+ years of work experience in sales or account management related field with a proven track record of budget development and implementation.
• Working knowledge of management software programs including QuickBooks and SAP strongly preferred.
• Proficient computer skills including using Microsoft Office Suite.

Skills and Abilities:

• Sales and business acumen; ability to grasp understanding of business models and key drivers quickly.
• Ability to delegate responsibilities while maintaining organizational control of daily operations and customer service.
• Strong diplomacy skills; ability to handle conflict management and business negotiation processes; ability to partner and form strong working relationships fostering a problem-solving approach.
• Leadership skills: demonstrates trust and respect for others, looks for ways to build positive relationships on the work team, able to communicate expectations and coach and develop employees for success.
• Solid organizational skills; ability to self-manage workload and multiple projects simultaneously while managing and meeting tight deadlines; ability to coach, manage and conduct training of diverse team members and their projects.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; communicate effectively and professionally across all levels of the organization and external stakeholders; confidence in creating and delivering presentations to internal and external customers.
• Resilient; able to confidently navigate ambiguity and change.
• Strong work ethic; self-starter, demonstrating a proactive approach, self-initiative, and tenacity.

Travel:

• Ability to travel as needed, on average no more than 15% of the time.

Standard and Physical Requirements:

• Position involves sitting for prolonged periods, standing, manual dexterity, stooping, and bending.
• Position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. occasionally. For greater weight items, assistive devices will be provided.
• Must have a valid driver’s license. A company vehicle may be provided.
• Must have a clean Motor Vehicle Record.

Alliance Team Members Demonstrate DRIVE:

• Dedicated: Follows through on commitments. Strong say/do.
• Respectful: Acts with integrity and values diverse perspectives.
• Innovative: Always looking for a better way; leads change.
• Versatile: Adapts quickly to changing circumstances. Demonstrates agility.
• Engaged: Acts like an owner. Wants to create and grow a business which is tightly aligned with market needs.

EEO: We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.