[ref. m61702721] 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.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of any race, sexual orientation, gender, age or ethnicity, and those who are culturally or linguistically diverse, gender diverse, neuro-diverse or living with a disability.