Operations Manager - KE USA

Client: KE Outdoor Design USA

Website: KE Outdoor Design USA

Position: Operations Manager

Reports To: Executive Vice President

Location: Middlebury, Vermont

About KE Outdoor Design USA (KE)

Since 1984, KE USA (formerly KE Durasol) has been one of America's best-selling brands of quality retractable and stationary shading products for both residential and commercial customers. Over that time, KE Outdoor Design has become one of the most vertically integrated awning manufacturers in North America. Some of their capabilities include (but aren't limited to):

Retractable Awnings Retractable Roof Pergolas Waterproof Retractable Roof Systems Stationary Awnings and Canopies (hotels, restaurants, retail, specialty) Exterior Solar Shades Privacy Shades Tension Systems Cabanas and Free-standing Awnings

KE has a wide assortment of products to fit many applications where clients are in need of shade or inclement weather control. KE's manufacturing and corporate headquarters is located in Chester, NY, 50 miles north of New York City, in the Hudson Valley. With over 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production floor space across three separate manufacturing divisions, KE produces world-class motorized patio awnings and motorized window awnings that add lasting value to homes and businesses across North America.

Position Overview

KE is a growing company, and the Operations Manager must have strong leadership skills and the ability to approach business with a creative point of view. The Operations Manager will collaborate with the Executive Vice President in setting and driving organizational vision, operations strategy, and hiring. The Operations Manager must translate strategy into actionable steps for growth, implementing organization-wide goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning. They will oversee KE's Middlebury operations, manage employee productivity, building a highly inclusive culture that ensures team members can thrive and that organizational goals are met. The Operations Manager must ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and retention of top talent. They also need to ensure compliance with national and local business regulations and take appropriate action when necessary. The Operations Manager will be directly involved in sales and will develop plans and marketing strategies for the business.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the Middlebury, VT facility and ensure safety and efficiency of the operation.
• Analyze internal operations and identify areas for process enhancements.
• Implement business strategies and plans that align with the short- and long-term objectives developed in tandem with the Executive Vice President.
• Manage operations, HR, and accounting, and partner with the Executive Vice President in sales management so that sufficient investment capital can be budgeted for near-term growth targets.
• Design and implement strategic plans to reach sales targets.
• Estimate sales volume and profit for current products.
• Build and manage the operations budget, manage capital investments and expenses aggressively to ensure that the company achieves investor targets for growth and profitability.
• Develop a long-term talent planning strategy and ensure staffing levels for the facility are met.
• Create a culture that attracts and retains top talent.
• Hire new team member for staff and production positions.
• Develop a continuous improvement strategy.
• Maintain a robust quality assurance system.
• Maintain machinery maintenance plans.
• Build and maintain trusting relationships with key customers, clients, partners, and stakeholders.
• Monitor performance with tracking software and take corrective measures when necessary and prepare detailed updates and forecasts.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of business operations experience in a leadership role
• Knowledge of sales and marketing techniques and best practices
• Excellent leadership skills, with steadfast results and personal integrity
• Understanding of business planning
• Solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics
• Ability to diagnose problems quickly and foresee potential issues
• Must have prior experience managing teams
• Has the ability to be a proactive and empathetic team player

Gallagher, Flynn, & Company, LLP has been retained to conduct this search. Interested candidates may apply by sending a resume and cover letter. While we appreciate all interest in this opportunity, only candidates most closely aligned with our search will be contacted.

Disclaimer: What is listed above is representative of the responsibilities of the position but are not meant to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may change during employment at the company's discretion. Gallagher, Flynn & Company, LLP and our client do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.