Our client is a highly regarded Australian design and manufacturing business with an established international footprint and a reputation for innovation, craftsmanship and quality. Operating across local and global markets, the business partners with leading industry stakeholders and continues to experience strong growth. As they enter an exciting phase of expansion and operational maturity, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced General Manager – Operations & Commercial to join the leadership team and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organisation.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this newly created leadership position will take ownership of the day-to-day operational and commercial performance of the business. You will act as the key driver of business execution, overseeing finance, operations, people and culture, customer experience, systems, and strategic projects. This role is ideally suited to a commercially astute leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys building structure, driving accountability and improving business performance across multiple functions.
Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the people and culture function, including workforce planning, recruitment, employee engagement and performance management.
- Drive operational excellence across business processes, infrastructure, compliance and workplace operations.
- Oversee financial planning and analysis, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and commercial reporting.
- Develop and maintain management dashboards, KPIs and business performance metrics.
- Manage pricing strategies, margin performance and commercial decision-making.
- Lead contract negotiations with key suppliers, distributors and service providers.
- Oversee customer experience initiatives and manage escalated customer and stakeholder matters.
- Drive ERP, systems, automation and AI initiatives to improve operational efficiency.
- Manage external partners and vendors, ensuring service delivery and accountability.
- Coordinate and deliver strategic cross-functional projects and business improvement programs.
- Act as the senior operational leader in the absence of executive directors, ensuring business continuity and stakeholder confidence.
- Proven experience in a senior operations, commercial, general management or finance leadership role.
- Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis and business performance management.
- Broad operational leadership experience across multiple business functions.
- Experience leading and developing teams while fostering a high-performance culture.
- Strong project management and change management capabilities.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Comfortable working within a growing entrepreneurial environment where initiative and accountability are highly valued.
- Demonstrated ability to implement systems, processes and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience managing external vendors, commercial contracts and strategic partnerships.
- A hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational execution.
How to apply:
If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now via the link or reach out for a confidential discussion to Keeley Frawley at kfrawley@sharpandcarter.com.au.
