General Manager

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of "We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World". The company's product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.

1) Major Duties & Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Define and execute the GCF strategy to deliver growth in revenue, margin, and share.
• Set clear objectives and performance expectations for the leadership team.
• Translate strategy into annual plans with measurable outcomes.

• Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient manufacturing and supply‑chain performance (service, quality, cost).
• Run a robust S&OP cadence that links demand, supply, and financial plans.
• Drive continuous improvement and productivity across all functions.

• Hold full P&L ownership through EBIT, not only GP.
• Manage working capital: set and deliver targets for AR (DSO), AP (DPO), and DOI; improve cash conversion and inventory health.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting; identify risk and opportunity.

• Build trusted relationships with key customers, suppliers, and partners.
• Represent GCF with internal and external stakeholders; communicate performance and plans transparently.

• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal control requirements (SoD, approvals, audit readiness).
• Uphold a culture of accountability, ethics, and safety.

• Lead and develop a high‑performing cross‑functional team (Operations, Commercial, Finance, R&D, HR).
• Strengthening succession, engagement, and capability, coach leaders to outcomes.

• Partner with R&D and Commercial to accelerate innovation and commercialization.
• Improve time‑to‑market and value realization from new products.

• Makes timely, data‑driven decisions balancing revenue, margin, service, and cash.
• Resolves complex trade‑offs across production, inventory, and customer commitments.
• Proactively mitigates risk; escalates issues with clear options and impacts.

• Dual reporting: GM, Griffith Foods Africa and GM, Crown Food Group.

• Supervises functional leaders across Manufacturing/Operations, Supply Chain, Sales/Commercial, Finance, R&D, and HR (direct and/or matrix).
• A peer Africa Leadership Team
• Frequent contact with IMEA Supply Chain; FP&A; QA/Regulatory; Shared‑Services teams.

• Key customers, suppliers, auditors, and regulators.

• Bachelor's degree (Business/Food/Engineering);
• MBA added advantage

• 10+ years senior leadership with proven P&L ownership in FMCG/process manufacturing.
• Demonstrated working‑capital management expertise (AR, AP, DOI) and S&OP fluency.
• Experience leading cross‑functional teams in a matrix/dual‑reporting environment.

• Primarily site/office‑based with periodic travel across plants, customers, and partners (domestic/international).
• Flexibility to meet operational and customer needs.

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and articulate a clear vision and strategy for the company.
• Inspirational Leadership: Motivates and inspires the executive team and employees to achieve their best.
• Decision-Making: Makes informed and timely decisions, balancing risk and reward.

• Financial Management: Deep understanding of financial principles, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze financial data and market trends to inform strategic decisions.
• Cost Management: Identifies opportunities to improve cost efficiency and profitability.

• Process Optimization: Skilled in streamlining operations to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Project Management: Manages multiple projects and initiatives effectively, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Performance Monitoring: Regularly assesses company performance and implements corrective actions when necessary.

• Relationship Building: Establishes and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, and partners.
• Negotiation Skills: Effectively negotiate contracts and agreements to the benefit of the company.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and persuasively with internal and external stakeholders.

• Ethical Standards: Upholds the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Ensures the company complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
• Risk Management: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks to the organization.

• Market Awareness: Keeps abreast of industry trends and technological advancements.
• Innovation: Encourages and drives innovation within the company to stay ahead of the competition.
• Growth Mindset: Identifies and exploits new market opportunities for expansion and growth.

• Talent Management: Attracts, develops, and retains top talent within the organization.
• Coaching and Mentoring: Provides guidance and support to the executive team and senior management.
• Team Building: Fosters a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Customer Understanding: Deep understanding of customer needs and behaviors.
• Service Excellence: Ensures the company delivers exceptional customer service and value.
• Customer Relationship Management: Builds and maintains strong, long-term relationships with key customers.

• Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly changing business environment.
• Transformation Leadership: Leads and manages organizational change effectively.
• Crisis Management: Skilled in handling crises and turning challenges into opportunities.

• Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Builds rapport and works well with people at all levels.
• Public Speaking: Confident and persuasive in public speaking engagements and presentations