General Manager, North America

Summit Search Group; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A global industrial company based in Hamilton, Ontario is seeking an experienced General Manager to lead North America operations during a transformative phase. This role involves strategic leadership, team development, operational oversight, and driving sales growth. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of leadership experience in industrial sectors, strong commercial acumen, and excellent interpersonal skills. Competing for this role will require expertise in managing diverse teams and developing effective market strategies.

Benefits

Equal opportunity employer

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience, ideally with P&L responsibility.
• Background in sales, operations, or general management within industrial or manufacturing sectors.
• Proven success in turnaround or transformation environments is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a regional strategy aligned with global objectives.
• Inspire and engage a diverse team across sales, operations, and support functions.
• Oversee day-to-day operations ensuring efficiency and alignment with business goals.
• Lead sales strategy and execution including customer acquisition.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership and people management skills

Strong communication skills

Problem-solving capabilities

Education

Post-secondary education

Job description

About Our Client:

Our client is a well-established global industrial company.

Position Scope:

Reporting to the Global CEO, the General Manager, North America will lead a well-established regional business through an exciting phase of transformation and growth. This role presents a unique opportunity to shape strategy, energize teams, and expand market presence. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and versatile leader, capable of building strong relationships, unlocking commercial potential, and aligning local execution with global ambitions.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Business Growth

Develop and execute a regional strategy aligned with global objectives to drive sustainable growth across North America

Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, sales channels, and customer segments to increase revenue and market share

Team Development & Culture Building

• Inspire and engage a diverse team across sales, operations, and support functions, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance
• Coach and mentor team members, particularly the sales force, to improve customer engagement and drive commercial results

Operational Oversight & Optimization

• Oversee day-to-day operations including sales, supply chain, and administrative functions, ensuring efficiency and alignment with business goals
• Maximize workforce capacity and resource utilization, identifying areas for improvement and implementing operational best practices

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with global leadership and business units to ensure strategic alignment and effective communication across regions
• Represent the North American business in executive forums and collaborate with Global counterparts to share insights and drive group-wide initiatives

Sales & Market Development

• Lead sales strategy and execution, including customer acquisition, retention, and channel development
• Travel with sales teams to support client interactions, coach performance, and strengthen market presence

Governance & Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of business performance to senior leadership
• Establish and monitor KPIs across functions, driving accountability and continuous improvement
• Maintain compliance with internal policies and external regulations

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong commercial acumen with a proven ability to drive sales and market growth
• Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with a track record of improving team engagement and performance
• Ability to navigate both strategic discussions and hands-on operational challenges
• Experience managing sales teams and coaching for performance improvement
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; able to influence at all levels
• Technical aptitude is an asset
• Strong problem-solving capabilities, strong sense of responsibility and self-motivation, and ability to work in a team environment
• Valid Driver’s license
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 40%

Education and Experience:

• Post-secondary education preferred; equivalent experience will be considered
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience, ideally with P&L responsibility
• Background in sales, operations, or general management within industrial or manufacturing sectors
• Experience leading small to mid-sized teams across multiple functions
• Proven success in turnaround or transformation environments is highly desirable

Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.