Description:
Grace Stakeholder Investments is a world class leader in machine manufacturing, specialty precision products, and other industries. Microplane®, a subsidiary of Grace Stakeholder Investments, is the premier brand worldwide for exceptionally sharp culinary tools. Grace Stakeholder Investments is proud to be Employee Owned (ESOP) and offers its employee-owners competitive compensation, bonus, and benefit package to include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401k with match, and other supplemental benefits.
As a leader in the Microplane business unit, this position works alongside the management team; and carries the responsibility for executing sales and customer service initiatives; activities related to the profit and loss statements; and the strategic vision for the business unit. While working with department leaders, this position establishes effective policies and procedures that benefit the organization and increase cash generation. This role will prioritize competing efforts, own and lead initiatives that cross departments, and provide operational guidance and analytical & consultive support for team members. This position will be required to work in the Russellville, AR office.
Key Responsibilities
Operations
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Directly supervise the Customer Service Supervisor and indirectly supervise the Microplane Customer Service team.
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Ensure the smooth and effective execution of Microplane operations to include personnel, reporting, account management, customer service and all related transactions.
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Gain a broad understanding of complex processes such as part number & account set ups, supply chain, inventory management, etc.
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Understand and effectively utilize all relevant software and systems. Be a “power user.”
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Successfully collaborate with corporate departments to achieve goals
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Liaison between the business unit and production facilities, shipping warehouse, etc (the voice of Microplane)
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Utilize the Great Game of Business (GGOB) principles to educate the team and meet financial goals.
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Participate and engage in product development & launch processes.
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Discover ways to simplify business processes.
Customer Service
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Lead a team of direct reports in key & independent account management.
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Drive customer service initiatives to completion and success.
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Conduct regularly scheduled team meetings to keep team informed.
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Maintain effective working relationship with outside management team (example: production, shipping, purchasing).
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Provide meaningful insights to team to support ongoing & efficient workflow.
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Understand and improve existing infrastructure to better facilitate long-term growth and efficiency.
Leadership
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Decision-maker using data, analytical thinking, and wisdom.
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Collaborate with Business Director and Microplane management team to create and communicate strategic business plans, including customer service, operations and other key areas of the business.
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Be the voice of customer service and operations to the rest of the organization.
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Represent the brand at tradeshows and other assigned events.
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Understand the interdependencies of business functions to improve efficiencies across all stakeholders in projects, plans or new initiatives.
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Above all, be a team player that leads by example, welcomes ideas and appreciates diversity.
Travel
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Expect to travel for trade shows, corporate summit, training, and other company locations.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree required
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5+ years of experience in operations and supervising a team.
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Exposure to lean manufacturing principles a plus.
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Strong managerial skills (e.g., critical thinking, problem solving and decision making; savvy team coach/mentor; employee/team development, motivation and engagement)
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Deep understanding of systems/software, including high proficiency in Microsoft Office, expert level Excel and familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
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Effective communicator both internal and external stakeholders.
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Advanced skills in leading and implementing new projects/processes
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, written and verbal
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Bilingual in Spanish a definite plus, but not required
Physical Requirements
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Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 100% of the time
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Must be able to move about in an office or other professional environments
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Must be able to operate a computer and other office machinery such as typing and other functions.
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Must be able to communicate verbally in person and on the phone with employees, vendors, etc.
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Must be able to exchange accurate and concise information.
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Must be able to view a computer screen, monitors, and reports in order to understand and interpret information
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Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
Grace Stakeholder Investments is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace