General Manager -- Agri-Food Processing

Summit Search Group has been retained by Emerson Milling Inc. on the recruitment of their next General Manager. Since 1987, Emerson Milling has been a leader in milling high-quality oats, supplying customers across North and Central America. With a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and customer service, the organization continues to grow and evolve within a dynamic agricultural market. Note - the plant is located 90 min south of Winnipeg in Emerson, Manitoba We are seeking an experienced and driven General Manager to lead overall business operations and support the continued growth of the organization. This role will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, driving business performance, and executing on strategic initiatives across multiple functions. This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established and respected company where you will have the ability to influence strategy, lead a dedicated team, and contribute to long-term success. Opportunity The General Manager is responsible for the overall leadership of Emerson Milling, including operations, financial performance, sales support, supply chain, and team development. Working closely with ownership and functional leaders, this role will drive strategic initiatives, optimize operational efficiency, and ensure the business is positioned for continued growth. The successful candidate will bring a strong balance of operational leadership, business acumen, and people management, with the ability to lead across multiple functions in a hands-on environment. Key Responsibilities Corporate Strategy & Business Growth - Contribute to capacity planning, market positioning, and long-term growth initiatives in collaboration with ownership - Monitor industry trends, including evolving demand in oat-based, gluten-free, and plant-based markets - Lead long-term planning related to capacity expansion and capital investments People Leadership - Lead, coach, and develop employees across the organization - Oversee hiring, onboarding, and talent development to build a strong and capable team - Reinforce and promote a strong safety-first culture Sales & Customer Relations - Partner with the Director of Business Development to manage key customer relationships - Identify new market opportunities and support sales growth initiatives - Contribute to pricing strategies and promotional initiatives Supply Chain & Procurement - Collaborate with the Grain Buyer to oversee purchasing activities aligned with company policies - Support pricing strategies and procurement planning Financial Management - Work closely with the CFO to develop forecasts, budgets, and business plans - Monitor financial performance and report on key performance indicators - Ensure compliance with commodity hedging policies Operations Management - Oversee production processes, including receiving, cleaning, milling, and packaging operations - Ensure production targets, quality standards, and operational efficiencies are met Maintenance & Capital Projects - Partner with the Maintenance Supervisor to manage capital expenditures and maintenance planning - Oversee preventative maintenance programs and equipment reliability Health, Safety & Compliance - Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including CFIA and HACCP standards - Maintain a safe and compliant work environment Qualifications - 5–10 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably within grain processing, food manufacturing, or agri-business - Strong leadership experience with the ability to manage operations, people, and business performance - Knowledge of grain commodity markets and procurement considered an asset - Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and business strategy - Strong decision-making, strategic thinking, and process improvement capabilities - Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills - Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general business systems - Postsecondary education in Business Administration or a related field considered an asset This is an exciting opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within a respected and growing agricultural manufacturer. The successful candidate will drive business performance, lead a dedicated team, and help shape the future direction of the organization in a dynamic and evolving market. For more information, or to submit your resume, please contact Gail Eckert at Summit Search Group: gail.eckert@summitsearchgroup.com Summit Search Group is committed to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. We strive for continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias throughout our process.