General Manager

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Are you looking for an opportunity to optimize your sales and operations experience?
• Do you have an interest in working for an organization with an excellent reputation in its industry and the community?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Founded in 1963 in Middletown, OH, family-owned Akers Packaging specialized in creating custom packaging and shipping solutions, wooden pallets, and folding cardboard cartons. With customers in the automotive, food and appliance industries, and many others, Akers focused on customer service and speed, providing same- or next-day fulfillment long before Just-in-Time Delivery was a term.

Today Akers Packaging has 600+ employees across 12 locations in the Midwest and has continued to focus on customer service and relationships over the last 60 years. Just as important is developing their people and encouraging them to take ownership of their job, do the right thing for the company, and continue to focus on customer service, both within Akers and with their customers.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Reporting to the President, the General Manager (GM) will have oversight of a team of approximately 60 employees and could grow with acquisitions and location consolidations to 200 employees. The GM will integrate sales, production, safety, financial responsibility and people management in this role.

The GM will lead the site with a mentality of growing the location like it is their own business. The GM will drive optimum efficiency, economy of operations, financial profitability, zero quality defects and zero safety related incidents. The GM will assist in developing new business for the facility directly and through the team of sales professionals, drive pipeline management, and visit prospects as needed.

The GM participates in corporate leadership and will execute on the larger business strategy. The GM performs these duties personally and through close interaction with the Facility Management team, Supervisors and Sales Leader.

This position also delivers on all day-to-day commitments to their Customers, Company, and People, while reinforcing a culture where team members:

1. Help first as a reliable team member.
2. Take ownership.
3. Do the right thing.
4. Expect excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage Sales, Customer Service, Production, and Design teams.
• In alignment with corporate-wide business objectives, set market sales strategies and goals.
• Direct and coordinate promotion of products manufactured, or services performed to develop new markets, increase share of market, and retain and grow competitive position in the industry.
• Visit new and existing customers to develop and deepen relationships.
• Promote the organization in industry, manufacturing, or trade associations.
• Achieve operational efficiency and economy by directing activities within the office and plant.
• Direct and coordinates budgeting process and subsequent monthly analysis; identify areas in which reductions can be made; seeks ways to maximize profitability.
• Review activity, operating, and sales reports to determine changes in programs or operations required.
• Work with each department manager to ensure smooth and accurate communication of new products or services, changes to policies or systems, events, and any other changes that may affect staff.
• Work closely with Human Resources to determine staffing forecast, budget, and current staffing needs, and implement any hiring necessary for management roles.
• Understand opportunities for training and development across all departments, and coordinate with department managers to ensure continuous improvement.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 10+ years of experience in manufacturing/production in the corrugated packaging industry
• 7+ years of experience managing a team
• Proficient knowledge of profit and loss reports, budgeting, and financial analysis
• Excellent analytical skills
• Experience with ERP and CRM systems

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

For candidates outside the region, relocation assistance will be provided .