General Manager

BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT

• Assist in the development of the business plan to implement the strategic and tactical direction that has been provided by senior management.
• Execute the business plan
• Identify profitable market segments, business opportunities, secure new and maintain existing customers
• Maintain an on-going knowledge of industry practices and trends

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

• Plan, direct and supervise day-to-day operations related to the transportation and movement of goods in order to generate revenue
• Ensure compliance with transport regulations
• Administer the budget, plan fiscal budget and control all financial matters in area of responsibility
• Develop plans and standard operating procedures for the transportation of goods and for supporting documents
• Examine all aspects of standard operating procedures in order to increase efficiencies on an on-going basis and to provide corrective action
• Effectively manage the assets of the operation – includes interaction with fleet operations
• Demonstrate adherence to ISO standards
• Manage risk for the transportation operations of the company. Risk factors include – strategic, compliance, operational, reputation, business ethics, competitive and pricing risks (The monitoring and overseeing of these risk factors is the responsibility of the Chief Financial Officer)

EMPLOYEE RELATIONS – INSIDE STAFF AND DRIVERS

• Lead and direct staff – including operations staff and company drivers
• Provide direction to independent contractors (owner operators)
• Provide coaching to employees on a regular basis
• Evaluate job performance, develop performance agreements with employees and provide development plans
• Possess a general knowledge of human resources policies and practices

CUSTOMER/INDUSTRY RELATIONS

• Demonstrate a high degree of customer service and follow up – includes periodic customer visits with appropriate level contacts
• Develop up-sell techniques for existing customer base for self and dispatch/support staff and establish targets for increasing the business from this base
• Maintain an on-going knowledge of industry practices and trends
• Participate in industry associations, attend related conferences, etc.

COMPANY KNOWLEDGE AND MUTUAL SUPPORT

• Become knowledgeable about all Sylvite divisions and the products and services they provide to customers
• Demonstrate adherence to ISO standards and other best practices
• Documentation of all processes and tasks for which a function is responsible
• Demonstrate a high degree of service to and collaboration with other business units
• Provide support to other department members maintaining a sense of team
• Provide positive feedback to others when possible; coach others for success
• Recommend opportunities for improvement of processes and systems as a result of the function performed or based on observations
• Recommend opportunities for reducing costs

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED 

• Ability to lead and direct others; ability to foster a cooperative work environment and to direct progressive discipline actions when necessary
• Ability to motivate and coach staff; manage change; mediate and resolve conflict
• Demonstrate business acumen – includes the ability to analyze factors that contribute to the financial performance of the operations, prepare management reports, make presentations to senior management, staff and others
• Decision Making and Problem Solving Skills
• Customer Service Orientation
• Superior Negotiation Skills

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND/OR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• 5 – 8 years in the Transportation Industry
• University/College Degree in Related Field or equivalent experience
• CITT Accreditation – Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation – desired
• Industry-Related Training Courses
• Intermediate Proficiency with Transportation Management Software, Excel

WORKING CONDITIONS

Moderate amount of business travel required including out-of-province travel. Hours extend beyond an 8-hour work day.