The General Manager will provide overall leadership and direction for a growing manufacturing business, taking ownership of day-to-day operations, financial performance, team development and business growth. The company is a specialized manufacturing and is part of a larger group of businesses.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced operational leader to help transform a small, established business into a more structured, scalable and sustainable operation. The successful candidate will have significant autonomy to lead the business, strengthen processes, build a high-performing team and identify opportunities to grow within the fencing, manufacturing and perimeter security markets.
The ideal candidate brings experience leading a small manufacturing, welding, fencing or construction-related business, strong financial acumen and a positive, approachable leadership style. This individual must be comfortable making decisions, driving change and balancing operational priorities with long-term business development.
What We Offer:
- Salary: $100,000–$140,000 CAD base
- Annual Incentive: Target STIP of 20%, tied to financial performance and business objectives
- Benefits: Extended health and dental coverage, RRSP matching and additional employee benefits
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Cambridge, Ontario
- Environment: An opportunity to take ownership of a growing business, work with a small team and make a meaningful impact on its future direction
- Autonomy: Significant independence over day-to-day, weekly and monthly business operations, while working collaboratively with senior group leadership
What You'll Do:
- Lead the overall day-to-day operations of the business, taking accountability for performance, operational execution and long-term growth.
- Provide leadership, coaching and direction to the Shop Supervisor, Project Manager, Office Administrator and broader team.
- Build a positive, collaborative and accountable workplace culture, establishing clear expectations and supporting employee development.
- Oversee manufacturing and production activities, ensuring schedules, workflows, resources and customer commitments are managed effectively.
- Work closely with the manufacturing team to improve productivity, workflow, quality and operational efficiency.
- Take ownership of financial performance, including revenue, margins, labour costs, operating expenses and profitability.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, pricing and financial planning, using performance information to identify opportunities and address challenges.
- Drive the transition from a small, owner-operated business to a more structured and scalable organization through improved processes, automation and sustainable operating practices.
- Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve margins and strengthen the overall competitiveness of the business.
- Maintain strong relationships with existing customers, suppliers, contractors and business partners, supporting customer satisfaction and issue resolution.
- Work collaboratively with the sales function to identify opportunities for new business and strengthen existing customer relationships.
- Explore opportunities to expand into new geographic markets and adjacent product areas, including perimeter security and specialized gate manufacturing.
- Represent the business at customer meetings, trade shows, industry events and other business development activities.
- Ensure a strong culture of workplace health and safety, maintaining compliance with applicable requirements and company policies.
- Establish and maintain quality standards across manufacturing, products, services and customer delivery.
- Provide regular updates to senior group leadership regarding financial performance, operational challenges, business opportunities and progress against objectives.
- Collaborate with other businesses within the group to share knowledge, resources and best practices.
What We're Looking For:
- Proven leadership experience as a General Manager, Operations Manager, Branch Manager, Plant Manager or in a similar senior operational role.
- Approximately five or more years of leadership experience, preferably within a small or mid-sized business.
- Experience in the fencing, welding, metal fabrication, manufacturing or construction industry is strongly preferred.
- Welding or metal fabrication experience is particularly valuable, as an understanding of the technical and manufacturing aspects of the business will be an asset.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple business functions, including operations, production, people management and customer service.
- Strong financial acumen and experience managing revenue, expenses, margins, budgets and overall profitability.
- Experience improving business processes, introducing structure, implementing systems or driving operational efficiencies.
- A demonstrated ability to lead, coach and develop a small team while establishing accountability and clear expectations.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to balance immediate operational requirements with long-term business objectives.
- A customer-focused mindset and the ability to build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and industry partners.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to represent the business professionally.
- Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of business decisions while collaborating with senior leadership when required.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with ERP, CRM or business management systems is an asset.
- Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel occasionally for customer visits, trade shows and business meetings.
Leadership Profile
The successful candidate will be an experienced, approachable and collaborative leader who understands how to get the best out of a small team.
This is not an environment that requires an aggressive or overly corporate management style. The company is looking for someone who leads by example, communicates openly, provides guidance and direction, and creates an environment where employees feel supported and accountable.
The General Manager will initially be heavily focused on strengthening internal operations, developing the team and establishing the processes needed to support growth. Over time, the role will have increased involvement in customer relationships, business development and identifying new market opportunities.
The position offers considerable day-to-day autonomy, with the opportunity to work directly with senior group leadership and contribute to the broader growth of the organization.
What Success Looks Like
Success in this role means building a more structured, efficient and profitable business while maintaining the positive culture of the existing team.
The General Manager will be expected to:
- Establish strong operating processes, accountability and effective workflows.
- Develop and lead a capable, engaged and motivated team.
- Improve manufacturing productivity, quality and operational efficiency.
- Deliver financial objectives, including revenue growth and improved profitability.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to expand the business into new markets and product areas.
- Build a sustainable operation with the people, tools and processes required for long-term success.
Annual Incentive Program
The General Manager will be eligible for a target annual STIP of 20% of base salary. Incentive objectives are expected to be weighted between financial performance, including revenue and profitability, and broader business objectives such as developing the business, securing new customers and supporting growth initiatives.
If you are an experienced operational leader looking for an opportunity to take ownership of a business, develop a team and play a significant role in its next stage of growth, we invite you to apply today!
Since 1951, Drake International has been a global leader in integrated human capital solutions, delivering tailored services in recruitment, assessment and upskilling, operational efficiency, healthcare, and workplace wellbeing. We partner directly with employers to offer candidates the best opportunities at no cost, with a human-centered approach.
Recruitment decisions are led by our team. We may occasionally pilot AI-supported screening tools to support efficiency, but they are not a fixed part of our selection process. All hiring decisions are made by people, and candidates will be informed if any AI tool is involved in their assessment in accordance with the Employment Standards Act.
Drake International is an equal opportunity employer committed to accessibility, inclusivity, and diversity. Accommodation is available throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please contact your Branch Representative.
