General Manager

The Local Project is Australia, New Zealand, and North America's fastest growing design publication, celebrating extraordinary local design to our global community. With a focus on uncovering and understanding the impact that design makes on everyday experiences, The Local Project celebrates honest and human-centred design through premium print, digital, editorial, video and social content, with over 100,000,000+ impressions per month across our owned, operated and third-party platforms.

In 2024 we launched The Local Production, a full-service specialist agency focused on creating content to truly elevate brands. Harnessing expert knowledge and skills, we specialise in delivering strategic excellence and creative brilliance.

**Role Overview**:
The newly created General Manager role is key to propelling The Local Project into its next phase of growth. We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute leader with a strong background in Finance and Operations to join our Executive team reporting to, and working closely with, the CEO to drive efficiency, profitability, and strategic growth across the business.

**Key Responsibilities**:
**Finance**:

- In partnership with the CEO, establish and implement long-term commercial strategies across print, digital, editorial, video production, and social content.
- Regularly update and refine business performance metrics, tracking mechanisms, and cash-flow management.
- Direct the Finance department by managing our Bookkeeper and overseeing external financial advisors.

**Strategy**:

- Partner with Sales and Marketing to ensure alignment with broader business goals.
- Lead company-wide initiatives to optimize business processes, implement new technologies, and pursue revenue-generating opportunities.
- Oversee the implementation of new payment and invoicing systems to streamline operations.

**Team Leadership**:

- Provide mentorship and guidance to the senior leadership team.
- Collaborate with HR on organizational design, hiring, and professional development strategies.
- Contribute to wider business and departmental KPI setting and performance reviews.
- Foster a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.

**Operations**:

- Collaborate with the Operations Manager to oversee logistics, order fulfilment, distribution, and workplace maintenance.
- Develop and execute a multi-year operations strategy that builds upon existing initiatives to enhance efficiency, cost management, and revenue growth.
- Regularly review and refine operational processes, metrics, and policies in line with industry best practices.
- Support the establishment of a stockist network and an enhanced distribution strategy with a primary focus on Australia, New Zealand and the US.

**Key Challenges to Address**:

- Streamlining operations to drive cross-departmental efficiency.
- Integrating new technologies and platforms for enhanced data utilization.
- Developing strategies that enhance profitability in a competitive market.

**Experience Required**:

- At least 10 years of senior leadership experience, ideally as a General Manager or a similar capacity.
- Proven track record of driving business growth and operational efficiency, particularly in start-up or growth-phase environments.
- A strong foundation in Finance, Commercial, or Revenue functions with exposure to Sales and Marketing strategies.
- Familiarity with logistics, warehousing, distribution, and printing best practices is advantageous.
- Experience in the Media and/or Publishing industries is advantageous.

**CEO Collaboration**:

- You will partner closely with the CEO on strategic planning and decision-making. While day-to-day operations will be delegated to you, the CEO will remain involved in major strategic initiatives as trust is built.
- Regular updates and fortnightly catch-ups will keep the CEO informed while allowing you the autonomy to lead operational decisions.
- Previous experience reporting to a Founder or CEO is advantageous.

**Strategic Vision**:

- The role will evolve as The Local Project grows, potentially expanding to include global strategy and oversight of international markets.
- You will be responsible for overseeing new product verticals and implementing new financial management software.