OB DESCRIPTION
POSITION: General Manager of Watson Mills & Design
FUNCTION
The General Manager (GM) of Watson Mills & Design is responsible for the overall operational leadership of the company, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision, values, and strategic objectives as set by Ownership. The GM translates strategy into disciplined execution across manufacturing, project delivery, engineering, installation, sales, and administrative functions within a high-end, custom architectural millwork environment.
The GM provides day-to-day executive leadership of Watson Mills & Design, balancing craftsmanship, client experience, and financial performance. This role is accountable for operational excellence, profitability, team development, and cultural stewardship while representing Watson Mills & Design to clients, partners, and industry stakeholders. The GM works in close coordination with Ownership on capital planning, long-range strategy, and major financial or organizational decisions.
REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform all essential functions satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Required:
· Minimum of 10 years’ experience in construction, manufacturing, or architectural millwork management within a high-volume, design-driven B2B environment
· Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing multi-department operations (manufacturing, project management, engineering, installation, and sales)
· Strong working knowledge of financial statements, job costing, budgets, and operational KPIs
· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent practical experience
Preferred
· 10+ years in a senior leadership role within custom construction, architectural millwork, or related manufacturing sectors
· 5+ years of full P&L responsibility in an organization with $5M+ in annual revenue
· Experience leading lean operations, process improvement initiatives, and ERP-driven workflows
· Proven ability to scale operations while maintaining high-end quality and client satisfaction
Core Competencies
· Ability to lead, coach, and hold accountable a senior management team
· Strong analytical and decision-making skills with a “manage by the numbers” mindset
· Deep understanding of construction and custom fabrication workflows and trends
· Ability to delegate effectively and develop leaders at all levels
· Excellent organizational, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
· Strategic thinker with the discipline to execute and follow through
· Ability to manage for profitability without compromising quality or culture
· Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the U.S.; I-9 requirements must be satisfied
AUTHORITY
The General Manager serves as the operating authority of Watson Mills & Design and is accountable for the performance of all operational departments. The GM receives day-to-day operating authority from the CEO and may delegate authority to managers and vendors as required; however, the GM retains full accountability for outcomes.
Scope of Authority
· Full operational authority over production, project execution, engineering, installation, sales coordination, and support functions
· Authority to evaluate, discipline, promote, and terminate employees within approved company policies and in coordination with HR and the CEO when required
· Authority to introduce and enforce operational policies and procedures with CEO approval
· Authority to execute contracts for supplies and materials up to $25,000
· Authority to approve capital expenditures up to $50,000; expenditures exceeding this threshold require a documented ROI/business case and CEO approval
Certain responsibilities—such as ownership matters, legal strategy, strategic business planning, and major financial decisions—remain reserved to the CEO and Ownership.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Reports To: Owner, Watson Mills & Design
Direct Reports May Include:
· Plant / Production Manager
· Project Management Manager
· Engineering Manager
· Installation Manager
· Sales & Estimating Manager
Dotted-Line / Informal Reporting:
· Accounting Manager (operational and reporting coordination; ownership matters to CEO)
· CFO (operational P&L and workforce planning coordination; ownership matters to CEO)
Site Managers may maintain an informational or temporary direct reporting relationship to the GM as needed to improve operational efficiency, with clear communication maintained across field leadership.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a salaried, exempt position. Normal office hours are generally 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with flexibility required based on operational demands. Additional hours, evenings, or weekends may be necessary to support production needs, client engagements, site visits, trade shows, or strategic initiatives.
The role requires regular presence in both office and manufacturing environments and may involve occasional travel.
Due to the nature of this position, the GM will have access to confidential financial, operational, strategic, and personnel information. All such information must be treated as strictly confidential. Unauthorized disclosure is grounds for immediate termination.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
· Lead and execute the company vision, mission, and strategic objectives in partnership with the CEO
· Ensure ethical, legal, and compliant operation of the business
· Direct all operational functions to ensure quality, safety, efficiency, and on-time delivery
· Develop, manage, and achieve annual budgets, forecasts, and cost-control targets
· Oversee job costing, vendor buyouts, subcontractor performance, and margin protection
· Define and enforce limits of authority and approval workflows
· Build, mentor, and hold accountable a high-performing management team
· Implement and continuously improve processes, SOPs, and performance metrics
· Foster a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, collaboration, and continuous improvement
· Ensure effective communication across departments through structured meetings and reporting
· Represent Watson Mills & Design to clients, partners, and industry organizations
· Partner with the CEO on capital planning, long-range growth strategy, and organizational development
· Drive operational scalability while maintaining Watson Mills & Design’ reputation for quality and client care
· Perform other duties as required to support the success of the organization
MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
Performance will be evaluated based on the following outcomes:
- Achievement of annual profitability and margin targets
- Consistent delivery of projects on time, within budget, and to quality standards
- Sales and revenue targets met or exceeded on a monthly and annual basis
- Budgets and forecasts developed and approved prior to the fiscal year start
- Accurate, timely, and actionable operational and financial reporting
- Reduced waste, rework, and unnecessary costs while improving throughput
- Development and retention of a strong, engaged management team
- Positive evolution of company culture, morale, and leadership effectiveness
- Ownership achieves expected return on investment
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I have reviewed and understand the above job description and believe it to be accurate and complete. I understand that Watson Mills & Design reserves the right to modify this job description at any time.
Pay: Up to $200,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- Architectural millwork management: 10 years (Required)
- senior leadership in related manufacturing sectors: 10 years (Preferred)
- P&L responsibility in an organization with $5M+ revenue: 5 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
