General Manager, New Zealand
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People Inc

General Manager

  • Posted 1d ago
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Palmerston North

Job Description

Palmerston North | Executive Leadership Opportunity


About the company:


Our client is one of New Zealand's leading roofing and rainwater solution providers, with a strong reputation built on quality workmanship, long-standing customer relationships and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes.


As the business continues to grow and evolve, we are seeking an experienced General Manager to lead the next chapter of its success. This is a rare opportunity to partner directly with the Board, shape the future direction of the business, and build the capability, systems and leadership required to support sustainable long-term growth.


About the Opportunity:


Success in this role will come from your ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution. You will lead from the front, drive performance, introduce scalable business disciplines and foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and customer excellence.


Most importantly, you will understand the unique dynamics of a family-owned business. You will respect the values, relationships and culture that have contributed to the company's success while having the credibility, emotional intelligence and commercial acumen to challenge constructively, implement best practice and lead meaningful change.


Working closely with the Board and leadership team, you will:

  • Lead the overall performance and profitability of the business
  • Develop and execute strategic growth initiatives
  • Build and mentor a high-performing leadership team
  • Improve organisational structure and accountability
  • Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement
  • Implement systems, AI, processes and scalable business disciplines
  • Improve commercial performance, margins and profitability
  • Lead organisational change and business improvement initiatives
  • Provide leadership across multiple business functions
  • Ensure strong governance, compliance and health & safety leadership
  • Create an environment where people can perform at their best


This is a highly visible leadership role requiring an individual who enjoys being present, engaged and actively involved in the business.


About You:


To be successful in this role, you will bring:


Essential Experience

  • Proven General Manager or Executive leadership experience, with at least 7 years operating at a senior leadership level
  • Demonstrated success growing a business while maintaining profitability and improving performance
  • Experience reporting directly to a Board, owners, or shareholders
  • Strong financial, commercial and operational leadership capability
  • Experience leading multiple business functions and managing through complexity
  • A track record of building high-performing teams and developing leadership capability
  • Experience implementing organisational change, continuous improvement and business transformation initiatives
  • Experience operating with significant commercial and P&L accountability


Highly Desirable

  • Construction, roofing, building products, trades, manufacturing or project-based business experience
  • Experience working within a family-owned business environment
  • Experience leading project delivery businesses from quotation through to completion
  • Experience managing relationships with major retail and trade customers, including Mitre 10, Bunnings, PlaceMakers, ITM, Carters or similar
  • Experience leading businesses through periods of growth, change and operational scaling
  • Strong commercial decision-making capability with a focus on sustainable profitability and long-term growth


What's on Offer:

  • Competitive executive remuneration package
  • Company vehicle
  • Relocation assistance for the right candidate
  • Executive leadership opportunity
  • Direct access to the Board
  • Ability to shape the future direction of the business
  • Strong organisational support
  • Long-term career opportunity


If you have successfully led a construction, roofing, building products, trades, manufacturing or project-based business and are looking for an opportunity where you can genuinely make an impact, we'd like to hear from you.


Apply now with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience.

Desired Hard Skills

  • P&L Management
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Operational Excellence
  • Strategic Planning
  • Business Transformation
  • Change Management
  • Financial Management
  • Governance

Desired Soft Skills

  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Accountability
  • Mentoring
  • Communication
  • Influencing
  • Leadership
  • Strategic Thinking

Additional Compensation

  • Performance Bonus

Benefits & Perks

  • 🚗 Company Car
  • 🏎 Competitive Salary
  • 🚚 Relocation Support

Job Schedule

  • Monday to Friday

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Skills employers look for

Employers value strong leadership and communication skills, alongside financial and commercial acumen. Strategic planning, problem-solving, and people management feature heavily in successful applications. Many industries also expect knowledge of health and safety, compliance, or sector-specific systems such as ERP and reporting tools.

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