Our client is a specialized distributor of premium professional tools in Belgium, a company with a strong reputation for quality and reliability, located close to Brussels. Are you the very hands-on GENERAL MANAGER who can manage this small company into its next phase of growth?
THE ROLE
The General Manager will be responsible for managing the company on a very operational day-to-day basis, including effective management of the team (+/- 20 people), process optimisation, business development, and full P&L responsibility. This person will inspire the team through his/her “can-do” attitude and a proven track record of successful team management in the context of a smaller business.
Leadership:
* Inspiring and leading the team to achieve organisational objectives
* Effective team leadership (hiring, coaching, developing talents, conflict resolution, team spirit...
Operational Management:
* Overseeing of and actively participating in day-to-day operations
* Monitoring performance metrics to ensure KPIs are met, including sales, client satisfaction, working capital, quality of service targets, etc.
* Working actively on process improvements (a.o. automating the order-taking, via AI, chatboxes, …) and other efficiency gains (a.o. the handling of client complaints)
Business Development, Client and Suppliers Management:
* Maintaining relationships with existing suppliers (negotiating discounts, purchase conditions, brand development initiatives, etc.)
* Identifying and developing relationships with promising new suppliers
* Maintaining and developing strong client relationships with key accounts
Financial and Resource Management:
* Overseeing financial performance, including revenue and cost management
* Providing regular financial and operational updates to the Board
* Growth through acquisitions:
* Future growth will most probably also be co-realized through acquisitions;
* The General Manager will obviously also take up his/her active role in this.
THE PROFILE
* No specific degree requirement although reasoning on master level is a must
* Min. 10 years of leadership/operations management experience in the context of smaller businesses
* Leadership skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate and empower others, regardless of their background
* Can-do attitude – the General Manager is expected to get the job done despite sometimes challenging circumstances
* Results- and action-oriented; a real problem solver
* Ability to handle a wide variety of tasks and competing priorities
* Ability to stay calm under pressure
* Digitally savvy and a keen user of technology
* Strong written and verbal communication skills in French, Dutch, and English
* Willingness to be based in Brussels (West)
* Open to working via own management company
* Familiarity with hand tools; being a DIY enthusiast is a plus.