LJ Design and Manufacturing

General Manager

Brookfield, WI | Full-Time | Onsite

Lead a business as if it were your own.

Laacke & Joys is acquiring an established niche manufacturing business with loyal customers, quality products, and significant opportunity for growth. We are looking for a hands-on manufacturing leader who is ready to take the next step in their career by leading a business through its next chapter.

This is a unique opportunity for someone who wants more than a traditional operations role. You will have the opportunity to lead a business as if it were your own, with the support, resources, and stability of an established manufacturing company behind you.

This is a lean operation consisting of you and a part-time customer service teammate, supported by shared services across Laacke & Joys. You will be involved in all aspects of the business, from maintaining customer relationships and ensuring orders ship on time to improving operations, analyzing business performance, and developing the strategy for future growth.

This role requires someone who enjoys building, solving problems, and taking ownership. Some days may involve working directly with customers, purchasing materials, managing inventory, or helping prepare shipments. Other days will focus on improving processes, identifying growth opportunities, and building a plan to increase the success of the business.

The immediate priority will be ensuring a smooth ownership transition while maintaining the trust and loyalty of existing customers. Over time, you will help define the future direction of the business, improve performance, and drive profitable growth.

As a member of the Laacke & Joys management team reporting directly to the President, you will have visibility, influence, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What You'll Do

• Lead daily operations and ensure customers receive exceptional service
• Take ownership of business performance, including financial results and key performance metrics
• Build relationships with customers and understand their needs and opportunities
• Develop and execute plans to improve safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and profitability
• Identify opportunities for growth through new customers, markets, and improved processes
• Partner with Laacke & Joys leadership and shared services to achieve business objectives

What You'll Bring

• Proven success building customer relationships, retaining key accounts, and identifying opportunities for business growth
• Experience developing and executing sales, marketing, or business development strategies that drive results
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing, industrial, or related business environment
• Experience leading teams, improving performance, and delivering measurable results
• Strong understanding of business fundamentals, including financial performance and key metrics
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes and continuous improvement principles
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset and willingness to take ownership of the business

If you've been looking for the opportunity to lead a business as if it were your own, expand your leadership impact, and build something meaningful, with the backing of a successful manufacturing company, this is your chance. We'd love to talk!