General Operations Manager - FARMPOINT

Your role on our team:

The General Operations Manager is responsible for providing tactical leadership that drives the sustained growth and profitability of the CLAAS-owned FARMPOINT clusters. The position has full P&L responsibility over all clusters and consistently ensures the highest level of customer support and service for its customers. The role is responsible for leading the CLAAS FARMPOINT brand and culture that is fully aligned with the Global CLAAS strategy. The General Operations Manager has the necessary competencies to effectively manage multi-retail locations and is responsible for overall business planning and driving results including but not limited to cultivating and transforming processes to support equipment Sales (new and used), Parts & Service, appropriate inventory management, accounting & financial functions, management and development of dealership personnel, and safety. The position will ensure the marketing strategy is in line with appropriate corporate guidelines. The position has oversight of developi

• Progressively manages the continued development of business processes to grow profitable CLAAS FARMPOINT operations.

• Develops and implements strategies that align with CLAAS FARMPOINT’s business objectives, ensuring the efficient use of resources and establishes processes that enhance productivity and profitability of the retail clusters.

• Responsible for retail revenue and margin generation, as well as defining and implementing standards and processes for tactical growth in cooperation with CLAAS North America and Global CLAAS Retail leadership.

• Manages the financial planning and analysis functions, including budget preparation, forecasting, and variance analysis. Ensures that financial statements are accurate and compliant with regulations. Monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess operational effectiveness and financial health.

• Identifies and assesses opportunities for business expansion and new operational initiatives. Conducts regular market research and feasibility studies to validate potential growth strategies and ensure they are financially sound.

• Establishes and tracks comprehensive KPIs to evaluate and report on operational performance. Conduct systematic assessments and implement necessary adjustments to meet corporate objectives.

• Works closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive operational improvements. Maintains strong relationships with key partners, ensuring their needs are met while actively promoting the CLAAS FARMPOINT brand.

• Fosters a culture of excellence, encouraging innovation and continuous improvement across all operational facets. Ensures adherence to CLAAS principles of managing and promoting teamwork, respect, and a commitment with high performance.

• Ensures all operational practices meet or exceed safety regulations and compliance standards. Provides consistent training and support for staff in safety practices and protocols.

• Prepares comprehensive reports and recommendations for the Senior Management Team, providing insights into operational performance and strategic recommendations for improvement.

• In cooperation with North America Human Resources, hires, trains, develops, and appraises staff effectively. Identify employees’ skills and develop them by coaching and counseling on a regular basis. Conducts performance appraisals timely and provides continual feedback on performance. Takes timely corrective action, as necessary, and in accordance with company policies. Works closely with the North America Human Resource Department to handle disciplinary matters, grievance resolutions, and other personnel related issues.

Your profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Ag Economics or related field highly desired, or equivalent work experience. Master’s in Business Administration, preferred, not required.

• 7+ years of related experience in dealer operations and growing retail business within relevant industry sectors.

• Business, Sales, and Customer Service minded individual with practical industry experience and knowledge of captive dealer network.

• Proven ability to effectively manage a cluster environment while supporting customer driven directives, including strong understanding of parts and service department functions and how they directly contribute to the store profitability and customer satisfaction.

• Excellent sales management skills. Strong networking and negotiation skills. Proven ability to persuade and influence others.

• Advanced experience leading both exempt and non-exempt level employees; experience in team supervision and management as well as training and staff development; demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others. Ability to give employee feedback in verbal and written form succinctly and timely.

• Demonstrated ability to build brand image and develop brand awareness.

• Ability to communicate and implement unconventional / innovative ideas in a collaborative manner.

• Experience and proven success in optimizing organization performance and growth.

• Proven ability to successfully launch new product lines into local market sectors.

• Proven collaborative customer relationship management skills.

• Strategically minded, process driven, analytical change agent and decision maker with a clear vision and the ability to implement improvement measures directly impacting positive performance.

• Ability to read and accurately interpret financial statements.

• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, ability to maintain confidentiality and tact and to effectively conduct presentations/public speaking.

• Exceptional project management skills with a strong track record of success in managing multiple projects.

• Excellent change management skills – enjoys new challenges, displays pro-active behavior, self-motivated and ownership of tasks.