At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage commercial activities, driving growth and operational effectiveness.
- Company: Dynamic design and print company in Belfast with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, commission structure, and maternity cover.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a creative business while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in commercial performance and operations.
The predicted salary is between 28.85 - 28.85 £ per hour.
Belfast, Northern Ireland
Salary: GBP24.03 - GBP28.85 per hour
Vanrath are excited to be recruiting for a General Manager (Commercial) role on behalf of a company in Belfast on a temporary basis.
What’s in it for you?
- 40 hours 8:30am to 5pm
- Maternity Cover
- £50-£60k, commission structure also in place (to be discussed at interview)
About the role
The General Manager will assume responsibility for the Commercial and Business activities and performance of the team. The General Manager has accountability for the profitable growth, operational effectiveness, and strategic development of the business, ensuring the business delivers premium design and print services while maintaining strong margins, excellent client relationships, and a high-performing team.
Reporting to the CEO, the post holder will be responsible for the day-to-day management and sit as a member of the wider management team with core responsibilities to include:
- Assume full day-to-day operational responsibility for the business, including people, premises, processes, and performance
- The growth and development of the business, providing premium Brand Design and Graphic Design services to clients, new and existing
- The continued profitable growth, providing Premium Digital, Large Format and Finishing Services to clients, new and existing
- Maximising the return/margin on all products and services, whilst positioning the business as one that provides competitive yet excellent Design and Print services
- The development of a strong, effective, knowledgeable sales team that generates revenue through excellent services and products
- Developing the strongest possible Design team, to support print, but to stand alone and build reputation and compete, win and keep clients based on Design expertise, Client understanding
- Develop knowledge of the wider industry and play an integral part of the wider management team
- Pursue the digitisation of SOP for the business, the growth of new clients and provide leadership to peers and members of the team
- Take ownership of budgets, forecasts, and financial performance against targets
Proven experience in a senior leadership or general management role, with responsibility for both commercial performance and day-to-day operations:
- Strong commercial experience, including revenue growth, margin management, budgeting and cost control
- Clear understanding of how to sell value, not just price
- Solid understanding of print production and/or design and branding services, ideally within a creative, print, marketing, or related industry (ideal not essential)
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-disciplinary teams (sales, production, creative, operations)
- Experience driving process improvement including systems, workflows and SOPs
- A track record of building a performance-driven culture, setting clear expectations and holding people accountable
- Strong client-facing experience, with the ability to build trust and manage senior relationships
- Confidence operating at leadership level within a wider group or multi-business environment
Personal capability expectations would include:
- Commercially minded and results-focused
- Comfortable making decisions and being accountable
- Able to balance quality, service and profitability
- Credible, calm and clear communicator
- Resilient, organised and able to manage competing priorities
The role holder is expected to continuously develop their own leadership and commercial capability, stay informed on industry trends and best practice, and contribute positively to the wider management team by providing leadership, collaboration and challenge where appropriate.
Success in the role is demonstrated through profitable revenue growth, strong margins, efficient and increasingly digitised processes, high-performing and engaged teams, satisfied and loyal clients.
General Manager (Commercial) employer: VanRath Search & Selection
Join a forward-thinking public sector body in Ballymena, where your role as a Workforce Planning Advisor will be integral to shaping workforce strategies that enhance community services. With a commitment to employee well-being, flexible working arrangements, and continuous professional development, this organisation fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture that empowers you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying generous holiday entitlements.
Contact Details:
VanRath Search & Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager (Commercial)
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like VanRath Search & Selection. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at VanRath Search & Selection.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at VanRath Search & Selection.
We think you need these skills to ace General Manager (Commercial)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at VanRath Search & Selection and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at VanRath Search & Selection
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like VanRath Search & Selection will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to VanRath Search & Selection.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at VanRath Search & Selection.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at VanRath Search & Selection. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.