About Central Bearing Supplies LtdCentral Bearing Supplies Ltd is Ireland's largest distributor of bearings and engineering products, with two established branch locations in Athlone and Galway and a team of approximately 30 people. The business has built a strong reputation over 40 years for technical expertise and consistent service to industrial and engineering customers across Ireland. CBS is now entering a new phase of structured growth, with an increased focus on operational performance, commercial development, and long-term business sustainability.ROLE OVERVIEWThis is a newly created role and a critical appointment for CBS. The General Manager will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business across both locations, leading the management team and driving performance across sales, operations, finance, and people. Reporting directly to the CEO, the General Manager will act as the primary operational leader of the business, freeing the CEO to focus on strategic direction and business development. This is a hands-on, commercially minded leadership role suited to someone who can build structure and accountability and help position CBS for its next phase of growth.The incoming General Manager will need to earn the respect of an experienced team and build a culture of performance and accountability. The General Manager will work in close collaboration with external advisors, including HR consultants, accountants, and business advisors and will be expected to lead all aspects of the business (Operations, Finance, HR, Sales, etc.) with confidence and professionalism, drawing on that advisory support where appropriate.A solid understanding of the bearings, engineering components, or technical distribution sector is important - CBS's reputation is built on technical credibility, and the General Manager will be expected to engage confidently with customers, suppliers, and staff on that basis.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESLeadership & PeopleLead and manage the CBS management team across both locations, including the Sales Manager, Regional Manager, Technical Manager, Office Manager, and Accounts Manager.Set clear performance expectations, hold regular one-to-one meetings with direct reports, and ensure accountability is consistent across the business.Address any underperformance directly and decisively by implementing performance improvement plans and taking appropriate action where required.Manage any HR and employee relations (ER) matters appropriately across the business, including disciplinary procedures, grievances, absence management, policies, etc.Work with the CEO to develop and maintain a fair, well-structured people management framework.Foster a collaborative, one-team culture across both locations, building trust and cohesion where needed.Support the development of staff at all levels and ensure succession risks are identified and addressed.Commercial PerformanceTake ownership of the business's commercial performance - revenue, margin, and customer retention - across both sites.Develop and execute strategies to grow the business by identifying new customers, expanding revenue within the existing customer base, and exploring new product or service opportunities.Work closely with the Sales Manager to drive sales activity, monitor pipeline performance, and ensure targets are met.Support the development of key accounts and identify opportunities to grow revenue within the existing customer base.Drive continuous improvement in the business's sales, marketing and customer service capability.Operations & ProcessEnsure day-to-day operations run efficiently and consistently across both locations.Lead the implementation of improved business processes, including structured management meetings, performance reporting, and operational standards.Oversee the effective use of business systems, including the company's ERP platform, to support operational efficiency.Act as the primary escalation point between branch operations and the CEO.Financial OversightWork with the Accounts Manager to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to the CEO.Monitor business performance against plan, identify variances, and take corrective action where needed.Support budgeting, forecasting, and cost management across the business.Work collaboratively with external accountants and financial advisors to ensure the business has robust financial controls and visibility.Strategy & GrowthSupport the CEO in executing the business plan and positioning CBS for long-term growth and value creation.Contribute to strategic planning, business development, and supplier relationship management, including identifying and evaluating opportunities for organic growth, new markets, or expanded product ranges.Represent CBS professionally with key customers, suppliers, and external partners.Help build the organizational capability, culture, and systems needed to support a growing business.PERSON SPECIFICATIONEssentialProven experience in a senior general management, operations management, or branch management role in the bearings, engineering components, or technical distribution sector.Demonstrated track record of managing performance directly and effectively by setting clear expectations, following proper process, and taking decisive action where required.Experience in HR and employee relations (ER/IR) mattersA solid understanding of the bearing and power transmission product range and the industrial and engineering customers who use them.A track record of building and managing high‑performing teams in an SME setting.Commercially minded with a strong understanding of sales, margin, and business performance drivers.Experienced in introducing structure, process, and accountability into a growing business.Strong interpersonal and communication skills - able to work effectively with a long-established team and earn trust quickly.Comfortable working in an owner‑managed business environment, with the ability to manage upwards as well as downwards.Based within commutable distance of Athlone or Galway, with willingness to travel regularly between both locations.DesirableExperience managing a multi-site operation.Familiarity with ERP systems in a distribution environment.Exposure to business improvement or value‑creation programs.WORKING ARRANGEMENTSThis is a hybrid role. The General Manager will be expected to spend time across both the Athlone and Galway locations each week. Where business needs permit, up to one day per week may be worked from home.REMUNERATIONCompetitive salary commensurate with experience.Performance‑related bonus.Company vehicle or car allowance.
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