General Manager

A new print and distribution company located in Kingston is seeking to hire an accomplished General Manager to lead and transform its nationwide operations.

A new print and distribution company located in Kingston is seeking to hire an accomplished General Manager to lead and transform its nationwide operations. The successful candidate will drive operational excellence, profitability, and strategic growth across all departments; including production, distribution, finance, and human resources.

This position calls for an experienced operational leader with a strong blend of strategic,  commercial and people management skills, and the ability to drive performance and innovation in a fast-paced media production environment. The General Manager (GM) oversees the full operations of a newspaper printing and distribution company, ensuring efficient production, timely delivery, quality control, cost management, and strategic growth. The GM leads all departments — including printing operations, logistics/distribution, maintenance, finance, and HR — to meet performance, quality, and profitability targets.

The role requires a strong background in print manufacturing, logistics management, and business administration, combined with leadership and strategic planning skills to adapt to the changing media landscape

Key Responsibilities

Operations Management

• Develop and implement business strategies to achieve company goals in production, efficiency, and profitability.
• Oversee daily operations across all departments (printing, maintenance, logistics, and administration).
• Set and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for production quality, delivery times, and cost control.
• Collaborate with senior management and the operating companies (GCML and JOL) to align print and distribution capabilities with business objectives.
• Ensures that production scheduling, inventory management, and logistics are aligned with the changing needs and requirements of the two operating companies
• Ensure timely fulfillment of delivery and client commitments.
• Continuously review the operations of the business and implement systems and processes to improve workflow and productivity.

Printing Operations Management

• Supervise newspaper pressroom activities including scheduling, print runs, machine maintenance, and raw material inventory (newsprint, ink, plates).
• Ensure compliance with print quality standards, color accuracy, and deadlines.
• Work with technical teams to plan preventive maintenance and minimize downtime.
• Evaluate new technologies to improve print efficiency and reduce waste.

Distribution & Logistics

• Manage distribution network and ensure timely delivery of newspapers to agents, vendors, and subscribers.
• Make recommendations to the operating companies regarding optimizing logistics routes, fleet management, and delivery schedules to reduce costs.
• Develop contingency plans for weather, supply, or equipment disruptions.

Staff Leadership

• Recruit, train, and motivate staff to achieve operational excellence.
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and high performance.
• Oversee performance management, coaching, and compliance with HR policies and Jamaica’s labour laws.
• Implement training programs to upgrade employee skills and ensure adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Handle matters related to staffing, performance reviews, and succession planning.

Financial Oversight

• Develop, manage, and monitor operational budgets and cost structures.
• Track financial performance against business targets and KPIs.
• Collaborate with Finance to maintain transparency, control costs, and ensure compliance.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities in operations, procurement, and manpower.
• Negotiate contracts with suppliers, vendors, and service providers.
• Support new business development initiatives  - whether brought to the table by the operating companies or recommended by the JVC

Client and Sales Relations

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with clients, vendors, and key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the sales team to drive growth and customer retention.
• Understand client needs and ensure the consistent delivery of quality service.

Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive company performance.
• Provide insight on market trends, opportunities, and competitive positioning.
• Lead initiatives in process innovation, technology adoption, and continuous improvement.

Compliance and Safety

• Ensure compliance with all occupational health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and efficient work environment.
• Enforce adherence to company policies and legal requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, Printing Technology, Logistics, or a related field.
• MBA or equivalent management qualification preferred

Experience:

• 10–15 years of experience in printing, manufacturing, or logistics operations, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong background in newspaper or commercial printing preferred.
• Proven experience managing budgets, P&L, and operational KPIs.

Key Skills

• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Strong strategic skills, including the ability to communicate and execute the company’s vision  and strategy
• Strong operational knowledge and experience of printing, logistics, and distribution environments.
• Experience managing or directing staff in a production and/or distribution (or similar) environment
• Solid commercial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control as well as understanding the levers needed to grow revenues and reduce costs
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills as well as good negotiation skills
• Leadership and team development
• Strategic planning and execution
• Production and logistics optimization
• Vendor and stakeholder management
• Understanding of print technologies

Desired Attributes

• Strategic and proactive in approach.
• Highly organized and adaptable to changing market conditions.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Ability to multitask and manage competing deadlines.
• Integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.

Contract Details

• Term: Two (2) years, renewable based on performance.
• Compensation: Competitive salary package.
• Work Location: Kingston