General Manager

Job Overview

The General Manager leads a profitable, growth‑oriented business in a specific location (“Market Center”) with full profit and loss responsibility. He/she is the comprehensive operations leader of rental uniforms and adjacent products, responsible for service, sales, production, merchandise, human resources, safety, and finance. The role drives profitability and growth by putting the customer first, while investing in people through coaching, engagement, and motivation.

Responsibilities

• Manage a Market Center (MC) location, possibly with depots and service centers (annual revenue $10M+).
• Drive profitability and growth by acquiring new customers, retaining current relationships, and maintaining the market center’s overall managed volume.
• Use strategic and leadership skills to facilitate employee selection, development, retention, motivation, and strong customer relationships.
• Ensure compliance with contracts and company policies and procedures.
• Participate in hands‑on activities in the Market Center and other field locations.
• Establish a cohesive team between service and production departments to meet organizational goals.
• Drive overall MC results, including metrics in Service, Production, Sales, Supply Chain, HR, and Finance.
• Set clear departmental expectations and lead by example.
• Ensure daily efficient operations of the location in accordance with business values, policies, and processes.
• Implement, administer, and evaluate programs and procedures to maximize customer retention.
• Maintain valid service agreements, positive service attitude, effective quality assurance, good customer relations, and efficient route management.
• Implement general price changes when needed and adjust prices on specific accounts.
• Review financial statements, reports, and performance data to identify areas for remediation and improvement.
• Oversee timely collection of the company’s accounts receivable.
• Create a pervasive sales culture that fosters team selling via Together in Growth (TIG) and Shared Lead programs.
• Support the generation of new business for the MC and provide leadership for new sales opportunities.
• Develop and maintain customer relationships with the MC’s top customers.
• Complete in‑person meetings with each department head weekly to review performance.
• Promote and sustain a safety culture.
• Ensure all safety accidents and incidents are investigated and reported promptly by department leadership.
• Oversee production programs and procedures.
• Conduct short‑ and long‑range planning to achieve production goals and standards.
• Manage merchandise budget and inventory to reduce spend while providing adequate supply.
• Safeguard merchandise control billing and collections to recover costs associated with lost or ruined goods.
• Partner with labor relations or HR in union or non‑union environments to ensure all employee disciplinary action is investigated and documented in a timely manner.
• Conduct performance evaluations for department leaders, offering detailed feedback on management skills and goal attainment.
• Manage hiring, placement, and removal of the location’s workforce, consulting on optimal staffing decisions.
• Lead talent development programs and efforts within the MC.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strategic Agility – solve complex problems using data and multiple problem‑solving tools.
• Inspiring Others – build motivated, high‑performing teams and communicate a compelling vision.
• Accountability for Excellence – drive action and results, starting tasks with energy and focus.
• Getting Work Done Through Others – delegate, develop, and provide coaching while holding people accountable.
• Organizational Collaboration – navigate politics and relationships to achieve goals.
• Broad management practice knowledge and business analysis/project management skills.
• Understanding of large, complex, matrix‑oriented global businesses to set strategy and drive improvement.
• Business savvy to effectively communicate and collaborate with executives.
• Strong planning skills to execute strategic projects with rapidly evolving business processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and resources remotely in a dispersed organization.
• Proven ability to select top talent and create a productive environment focused on innovation and development.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with a wide range of audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Teams.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required.
• 5–7 years of progressive management responsibility.
• Demonstrated success in operations management in a production facility or manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of financial reporting, including profit and loss, sales, and capital expenses.
• 12–18 months of business‑to‑business sales preferred.

License Requirements / Certifications

A valid driver’s license is required.

Working Environment / Safety Requirements / Physical Requirements

• A plant/office environment in the Market Center; must walk/maneuver throughout the plant, loading docks, storeroom, and delivery vehicles.
• May be exposed to heat, cold, laundry chemicals, fumes, dust, and noise.
• Up to 50% of time may require travel to visit customers, pursue new sales opportunities, and attend management meetings (local or overnight within the United States).

Location

Lexington, KY

Equity & Accessibility

Vestis® is an equal‑opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, relation, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. For applicants with a disability requiring a reasonable accommodation, please contact View phone number on click.appcast.io or email View email address on click.appcast.io.