General Manager - Service/Fabrication Shop Akron, Ohio area

Reporting Relationships:
This position will have Corporate reporting to Vice President (off-site).
This position will be responsible for all staff located in Streetsboro, including office personnel and production / installation technicians (10-15 employees).

Position Charter
This role will be responsible for developing and operating a “world-class” regional service operation for the installation of Company product on semi-trailers and dump bodies . Corporate HQ provides resources and direction, but at the same time, allows the flexibility of an autonomous, self-contained operation. This individual will manage the profit and loss with focus on maximizing financial performance and ensuring profitable growth.

Major Duties and Responsibilities
• Operational Objectives:
• Employee Management – Safety and handbook policy adherence; training, development and accountability
• Customer Service – Competitive leadtimes maintained along with on-time / high-quality delivery
• Inventory Management – Turns and accuracy
• Expense Management – Material, labor and variable overhead
• Product Design – Improvement and new development opportunities identified and supported
• Sales Objectives
• Key Customer Relationships – Establish and maintain
• Accurate Quotations
• Competitive Intelligence – Pricing, products and services
• Regional Business Growth (supported by outside sales team)

Compensation
The position offers a competitive compensation package including base salary, incentive bonus and employee benefits (vacation, medical, dental, 401k).

The Candidate
Professional Qualifications
5+ years within the transportation / trailer industry, ideally with P&L responsibility; experience desired within a small service-oriented operation (<$5MM annual sales) - i.e., prior role of “Service Shop Manager”, “Maintenance Manager”. Desired targets are regional trailer and dump body dealers and OEM’s (specifically Mac and East); key contacts at these target customers is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attributes
• Track record of building responsive, high-quality relationships with customers and anticipating / responding to their needs
• Knowledge of industry / business and operational processes (mechanical assembly, welding, fabric sealing); proficiency with product and installation (mechanical aptitude) along with lean manufacturing tools (drive out waste)
• Good business sense; accounting and shop system understanding
• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage multiple priorities using effective problem solving / resolution skills
• Results-Orientation: Track record of recognizing and capitalizing on business opportunities, meeting commitments and delivering results.
• Demonstrated ability to lead people and obtain results. Knowledge of internal and external hiring, selection and training is critical as a team for this operation must be assessed and built.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to effectively present information to management, customers, and employees.

Desired personal traits
• Change agent, mentor and teacher – an individual who can teach others, shape a culture and infuse a passion for new ideas and doing things differently; a catalyst to get things done.
• Strong work ethic; committed to achieving quality results.
• A passion for this industry; a desire to win and grow market share.
• Results-oriented; appropriately assertive, positive and action-oriented; has a sense of urgency in achieving goals and objectives.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to gain the trust of others and to interact effectively with persons at all levels, both internally and externally, and to develop strong working relationships.
• A style and presence that gains immediate credibility by being knowledgeable and by treating people with respect; willingness to be “hands-on” and support any area of the organization when needed to satisfy our customers
• Integrity at all times, including conducting business in a fair and ethical manner.



WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions are normal for a manufacturing environment. Work may involve lifting of materials and product up to 30 pounds. Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, work boots, and hardhats. Loose fitting clothes and jewelry are not permitted.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:
Base salary and performance bonus commensurate with experience. Full benefits package includes Major Medical, Life, Dental, and 401K with matching.


WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
From 1990 to 2008, company sales have grew by over 500% but have declined during the recession. This growth is due to a renewed focus on market opportunities and continued development of innovative products and is expected to continue as the economy improves. The company holds many patents and 13 trademarks on its products in the US and five in Canada. In January 2005, the company opened a new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Indianapolis.

As the company manages and prepares for continued growth, the organization is adding several new positions and planning to develop and implement new manufacturing systems. While continuing to be the leader in custom, value-added products, the company has implemented lean manufacturing systems throughout its operation to maximize efficiency and throughput.