General Manager Jobs

General Overview

General Manager, Automation will have accountability for the strategic leadership and direction of the Automation business. The role provides leadership, operational excellence, client development and strategic direction for the Automation business nationally. The role is responsible for directing and managing sales/topline, financial/operations, project delivery, quality, client service, safety, and people performance of the Canadian Automation business within the group’s national activities.

The General Manager will inherit a business with numerous opportunities to expand its footprint in the Canadian market, and his/her primary role will be to effectively manage and actively contribute to the projects in the Automation portfolio and further grow the prospect pipeline. In so doing, the General Manager will work with a multidisciplinary team composed of experienced engineers, project managers, technicians, professionals, and administrative staff who are the heart of the company’s technical proficiency. The General Manager will also work with the company’s senior leadership team in overseeing and managing the Automation business’s Sales, Finance, HR, Procurement, Project Management and Installation teams, and will interface with prospective and existing clients, business unit leaders, the business development team, service team leaders, corporate staff, suppliers, and consultants.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities for the General Manager, Automation will include:

Leadership and General Management

• Ensure and pursue the implementation of company policies.
• Ensure the efficiency of the business with emphasis on quality, customer satisfaction and profitability of the projects, and management of human resources including employee engagement and utilization.
• Actively participate in meetings with the Company’s Executive Management Team and communicate to the Automation leaders and managers the objectives and challenges set by the group and the business.
• Ensure increased sales and profitability while maintaining a focus on creating a positive work environment.
• Participate in developing, lead and oversee the implementation of the strategic plan and its objectives for the Automation business.
• Develop an in-depth understanding of the current state of the overall business relative to the competitive environment, market conditions and the strategic objectives established for the Automation business.
• Provide leadership by communicating the strategy and engaging all employees in achieving the objectives of the business.

Financial Management

• Qualifications and Experience
• Develop budget guidelines for the business’s fiscal year and review the financial activities of the business to meet budget and objectives.
• Responsible for engaging the performance of the business’s financial results, including revenue generation, project margin, staff utilization, and general administration costs.
• Forecast the business’s financial performance, ensure accurate budgeting, revenue recognition and preparation of monthly/quarterly/annual forecasts.
• Ensure that robust financial control and reporting are in place across the operation, in accordance with the company’s policies

Professional Experience: 15 years of experience within the Automation industry or a related industry, preferably in the Energy sector, with at least 7 years of progressive management experience in a multidisciplinary company. Direct selling and sales management experience for automation products would be a strong asset .

Education: University degree in, engineering, science or other appropriate discipline.

Knowledge Base: Deep understanding of automation solutions, ideally in the power sector, with a comprehensive knowledge of the electrification value chain – from power generation to transmission and distribution. Has demonstrated a clear understanding of a broad range of related technical questions in the field of automation. Financially astute, with a solid understanding of accounting and financial evaluation tools.

Project Management and Organizational Skills: Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and implement controls. Ability to create project timelines, keep track of orders and manage risk. Ability to appropriately prioritize activities and tasks by frequently reassessing project status. Extremely disciplined and rigorous, with a high attention to detail.

Strategic Planning and Vision: Brings a sense of vision; is strategic and future-oriented. Sees the big picture and is able to develop strategies to support the achievement of operational and financial goals. Has a keen interest in the automation industry. Is both strategic and tactical.

Collaborative: Possesses exceptional interpersonal skills and works collaboratively with colleagues and staff to create a business results-driven, team-oriented environment. Not afraid to challenge the status quo to entice improvements.

Results-oriented: · A strong and sustained history of delivering quality financial performance and results. Takes responsibility for expected results and maintains a high level of personal commitment to his or her team in order to successfully deliver within deadlines. Management experience focused on meeting financial and operational objectives. Strong problem analysis, problem resolution and decision-making skills.

Business Development: A proven track record of developing business with existing and new clients, as well as experience in interfacing with, provincial, and federal agencies, large utilities, and the private sector. Demonstrated ability to strategically address growth opportunities and articulate evolving priorities in the market. His or her presence, stature, confidence and abilities help to build, maintain and strengthen positive and productive long-term relationships with key industry players.

Personnel Management: Has experience managing multidisciplinary teams. A people, resources and processes builder with excellent organizational, leadership, decision-making and interpersonal skills. Strong capacity to develop and inspire employees and motivate engagement. Establishes a positive atmosphere based on performance and teamwork. Demonstrates strong abilities to mediate differences with a win-win strategy .

Client-based Approach: Able to connect business development strategy and evolving client needs, constantly looking for innovative ways to strengthen relationships with current and prospective clients. Confidence and maturity immediately establish credibility and earn clients’ trust. Ideally, has led the transition of a business unit or plant to a strong, customer-oriented environment.

Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills. Excellent capacity to synthesize information and express ideas and concepts in a concise and creative manner. Comfortable communicating at all management levels, with the ability to encourage two-way, constructive communication with team members. Strong sense of negotiation and persuasion.

Forging Connections: Able to manage a wide and varied range of connections and networks. Maintains open and honest relationships and demonstrates enthusiasm, availability, diplomacy, openness and transparency. Communicates well and respects employees at all levels of the company. Seeks to form genuine relationships with current and prospective clients.