Custom Electronics – General Manager, GTA

About the Company

Our client designs and manufactures custom electronics for OEM and aftermarket applications in several large industrial sectors. The firm is a standalone division of a larger international corporation which manufactures complementary products for adjacent markets. The Canadian division is profitable and poised for significant growth.

Scope of Position

Reporting to the CEO, the General Manager will be responsible for the overall P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow for the organization. The successful incumbent will direct and coordinate all activities associated with the successful implementation of the annual business plan and the long-term strategic plan. Working as a member of the senior corporate executive team, this will encompass overall responsibility for all sales, marketing, strategy, manufacturing, finance, HR, and administrative activities. The mandate is to significantly grow the business.

Functional Tasks

• Work with the CEO in refining the roadmap for the business, including an assessment of existing market opportunities and competitive positioning.
• Participate in formulating and administering company policies, directing and coordinating divisional department activities to develop and implement long-range goals and objectives.
• Develop annual business plan defining financial and developmental objectives for the business unit for the coming year.
• Develop and set key performance indicators (KPIs) and manage to them.
• Drive the team to achieve both immediate tactical goals and long-term strategic goals and objectives.
• Ensure that all operational activities are performed in compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• Review analyses of activities, costs, operations, and forecast data to determine progress toward stated goals and objectives.
• Confer with corporate to review achievements and discuss required changes or objectives.
• Travel to confer with customers, suppliers, industry associations, and corporate personnel in support of objectives.
• Develop, review, update, and implement business strategic planning including sales and financial performance.
• Oversee manufacturing and materials departments to resolve operational problems and meet future growth.
• Oversee key projects, processes, and performance reports.
• Review and support engineering and sales to oversee design concepts for new or existing products.
• Review operations and plans to meet requirements for sales planning and ascertain manufacturing requirements.
• Review and approve preparation of accounting analysis for budgetary planning and production efficiency.
• Manage all sales, marketing, and customer service for existing and new business.
• Drive and support the business development organization related to value-added services.
• Develop the marketing strategy and plan as well as product and services mix offerings.
• Provide leadership to the lead generation and marketing organizations to ensure effective alignment with sales needs.
• Foster an environment of high performance and cooperation as an active member of the management team.
• Play a lead role in developing relationships with key accounts and partners.
• Work directly with lead customers in emerging markets and provide feedback to the CEO.
• Provide feedback to the CEO on the status of all pipeline, sales, and business development activities.
• Provide feedback to engineering on market requirements and trends.
• Spearhead and nurture relationships with channel partners.

Key Performance Deliverables

Specific measures of performance will be discussed with and agreed upon with the successful candidate.

Competency Profile

The following competencies define the role of General Manager – Custom Electronics at our client:

• Results Orientation: Focuses strongly on achieving outcomes and ensures key objectives are met.
• Planning & Objective Setting: Systematic in approach to work, producing action plans with clearly defined objectives.
• People Management: Establishes and communicates clear priorities and sense of direction.
• Customer/Client Orientation: Strives to provide personalized and efficient service to customers/clients.
• Strategic Approach: Develops a strategic plan to realize the vision and revises strategies as needed.
• Information Seeking: Consults widely for business or technical advice and obtains information from various sources.
• Industry & Market Awareness: Anticipates and responds to industry and market changes.
• Commercial Acumen: Applies commercial and financial principles to understand costs and returns on investment.

Preferred Experience / Education

• Sales and marketing experience is an asset.
• Strong leader with experience in culture change.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in manufacturing processes; proven track record in lean manufacturing is a must.
• Ability to develop and implement both short and long-range strategies.
• Experience in complex ERP/manufacturing/business systems.
• Experience with employee training and development.
• Experience driving a culture of zero defects through Lean, Kaizen, Six Sigma techniques.
• Technical skills in engineering, inventory management, and operations.
• Experience in a tech/electronics manufacturing environment is advantageous.
• Well-versed in ISO; exposure to TS 16949 helpful.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven experience working with and developing high-performance teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business, or finance; MBA or Master’s degree preferred.