General Manager

About the role

Our client is a rapidly growing engineering, solutions and trading company with a strong focus on water infrastructure and smart metering solutions.

The General Manager/Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for leading and integrating the Company's day-to-day operations and ensuring the organisation can scale effectively. The GM/COO will assume primary executive responsibility for operational execution, including project delivery, engineering, technical and field operations, procurement, supply chain, logistics, operational support and, as the business develops, smart meter manufacturing operations.

The key objective of the role is to build a high-performing and scalable operating organisation that delivers profitable growth while allowing the Managing Director to focus increasingly on business development, strategic partnerships, expansion, key customers and new business opportunities.

Key responsibilities:

• Take full executive responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the Company and serve as the principal operational leader and integrator across all operational functions
• Translate the Company's strategy and growth plans into clear operational plans, priorities and execution
• Lead the overall Project and Engineering function, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, to required technical specifications and at acceptable margins
• Lead and strengthen technical support, installation, commissioning, maintenance and after-sales service operations
• Lead and improve procurement, supply chain and logistics operations, establishing effective procurement policies and supplier management systems
• Develop the operational capability required to support the Company's expansion in smart metering solutions and lead operational planning for the transition towards local smart meter manufacturing
• Build a management team capable of running day-to-day operations independently, with clear roles, responsibilities and decision-making authority
• Take accountability for operational profitability, productivity and efficiency, working closely with the CFO/Finance Manager on budgeting and forecasting
• Establish scalable systems and processes appropriate for a rapidly growing company, including management operating rhythm and executive dashboards
• Establish and maintain strong standards of quality throughout project, technical and future manufacturing operations, with appropriate operational risk management and compliance oversight

Requirements:

• Proven executive experience in operational leadership and management of complex, multi-functional organisations
• Strong track record in project delivery, engineering operations and technical service management
• Experience in procurement, supply chain and logistics management
• Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams and develop management capability
• Experience in scaling operations and implementing systems and processes for growing companies
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and working capital management
• Experience in manufacturing operations or manufacturing readiness planning is advantageous
• Strong understanding of quality, risk management and compliance requirements