GENERAL MANAGER — LARGE-SCALE RETAIL & DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS
Confidential Executive Search
Do you know how to turn business priorities into clear operational action—and how to bring people with you?
My client, a well-established, privately owned organization in Vernon, BC, is seeking an accomplished General Manager to lead a large-format, inventory-intensive retail and distribution operation employing more than 50 people across multiple departments.
The business serves both individual and commercial customers and combines customer-facing retail, project-based sales, commercial account relationships, inventory management, receiving, warehousing, order fulfilment, delivery and administrative functions.
This is a substantial, hands-on leadership role requiring far more than traditional storefront management. The successful candidate will bring commercial judgment, financial acumen, operational discipline and a practical leadership style—setting clear expectations, holding teams accountable and ensuring an exceptional customer experience remains at the centre of how the business operates.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to Ownership and working closely with senior financial leadership, the General Manager will provide overall direction to a complex operation supported by an established team of department managers and supervisors.
The role is accountable for sales growth, customer experience, financial results, operational performance, employee development and effective coordination across all areas of the business.
The General Manager must understand how decisions in one department affect product flow, customer commitments, margins, operational efficiency and overall business performance. This role will suit a leader who is comfortable moving between strategy and execution—reviewing performance metrics one moment and working directly with operational leaders to resolve barriers the next.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead a workforce of more than 50 employees through an established team of department managers and supervisors.
- Drive consumer and commercial sales performance, including project-based sales, account relationships and proactive growth strategies.
- Champion a customer-focused culture built on knowledgeable, responsive and dependable service.
- Establish clear priorities, performance expectations and accountability across the organization.
- Oversee the coordination of sales, customer service, inventory, receiving, warehousing, fulfilment, delivery and administrative functions.
- Use financial reports, key performance indicators, margins, staffing information and other business data to guide operational decisions.
- Strengthen inventory accuracy, purchasing effectiveness, cost control, receiving efficiency, product availability and overall product flow.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, performance management, leadership development and succession planning.
- Improve communication and coordination across departments to ensure customer commitments are accurate, achievable and completed on schedule.
- Identify and implement improvements to procedures, systems, workflow, customer experience and operational efficiency.
- Address operational challenges, customer escalations and performance concerns promptly and effectively.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- At least five years of progressive leadership experience in a large-format, inventory-intensive retail, distribution, wholesale or similarly complex operational environment.
- Direct, site-level accountability for a substantial operation with multiple departments, an established management team and a sizeable employee workforce.
- Proven experience leading managers, supervisors and cross-functional teams while maintaining accountability for business results.
- Experience overseeing both customer-facing operations and significant back-end functions such as inventory, receiving, warehousing, fulfilment or delivery.
- A strong understanding of commercial or business-to-business sales, project-based selling, account relationships or customers with complex purchasing requirements.
- Proven accountability for sales, margins, labour, inventory, customer experience and overall operational performance.
- The ability to interpret financial reports and translate data into practical business and operational decisions.
- Demonstrated success improving performance, strengthening processes and leading teams through change.
- Sound judgment, integrity and the confidence to make decisions and address difficult issues directly.
- A clear, respectful communication style and the ability to build credibility with Ownership, leaders, employees and customers.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, documentation and technology skills.
- Experience in home improvement, building materials, industrial supply, wholesale distribution or another environment serving both individual and commercial customers is considered a strong asset.
- A degree or diploma in business, management, finance or a related field is considered an asset but is not required.
THE LEADERSHIP STYLE WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for a steady, credible leader who establishes trust, communicates expectations clearly, follows through on commitments and balances accountability with genuine respect for people.
You understand that strong operational results and exceptional customer service are inseparable. You are visible and engaged, comfortable making evidence-based decisions, willing to challenge ineffective practices and able to create alignment without losing momentum.
This is not a role focused solely on employee supervision or traditional storefront operations. The General Manager must understand the interaction between sales, commercial accounts, inventory, product flow, fulfilment, delivery, financial performance and customer commitments.
Detailed product knowledge and established local industry contacts are not essential. Strong leadership, commercial judgment, financial aptitude and the ability to learn the business will be more important.
COMPENSATION AND OPPORTUNITY
- Annual salary of $95,000–$110,000, depending on experience.
- A senior leadership role with meaningful influence over operations, people, customer experience and business performance.
- The opportunity to lead an established workforce through an experienced management team.
- A varied, hands-on mandate with the scope to make visible and lasting improvements.
- Potential for the role to assume broader regional or executive leadership responsibilities as the organization evolves.
LOCATION AND TIMING
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Vernon, BC.
The anticipated start date is flexible; the priority is finding the right candidate. The position will remain open until filled, and applications will be reviewed as they are received.
HOW TO APPLY
To review the complete position description and apply confidentially, please visit:
www.virtualjobsearchcoach.com/find-a-job
Applications must include a resume and cover letter in PDF or Word format and should be directed to the attention of Stacey Davidson.
This is a confidential search. All applications and inquiries will be handled with discretion. Additional information about the organization will be shared with candidates selected to participate in the screening process.
My client is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
No phone calls, please. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $95,000.00-$110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Vernon, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- Do you have senior management experience in a large, inventory-intensive operation involving multiple departments and functions such as retail sales, commercial or business-to-business sales, receiving, warehousing, fulfillment, or delivery?
- Have you held accountability for financial performance, including budgeting, profitability, labour costs, inventory management, and operational performance metrics?
- Please briefly describe the size and operational complexity of the largest location or business unit you have managed, including the number of employees, departments, and operational functions within your scope.
Work Location: In person
