Riptide General Manager / Enterprise Leader

Riptide (Riptide Fulfilment Partners)

We are Canada’s newest Master Distributor for the decorative plumbing sector, focused on immediate fulfillment needs of our B2B partners. Our ability to fill orders for unique items within hours is a game-changer for the plumbing industry. Our commitment to providing the best service standards helps our customers grow their business

Riptide is a wholly owned subsidiary of EMCO Corporation.

EMCO Corporation 

With over 115 years of experience, EMCO Corporation is a leading national wholesale distributor of plumbing, HVAC, waterworks, and industrial products to the construction industry. We provide quality and cutting-edge products that help support residential, commercial and infrastructure initiatives across Canada.

At EMCO Corporation, we are committed to providing sustainable solutions to our customers and communities in which we live and serve. Our talented and passionate team members are the key to our success. We empower our team members to act like owners and make a difference within our business through striving for innovation and providing excellence in customer service.

At Riptide, you will thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with the backing of one of Canada’s largest distributors. We foster a culture of collaboration, ownership, and empowerment, where innovative ideas are welcomed and rewarded. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in ongoing professional development opportunities and a supportive team culture

Riptide Fulfilment Partners is currently seeking a General Manager. This enterprise leadership role will report to the Division Manager, Specialty Distribution and will be responsible for leading and expanding Riptide’s business. The leader will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the business by focusing on vision, strategy, organization and execution. They should have experience in marketing & sales and sourcing & procurement. The GM will lead the effort to optimize the customer experience and drive Riptide to higher levels of revenue and profitability.

This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of an agile and fast-growing company in the decorative plumbing industry. You will have the autonomy to drive strategic initiatives while leveraging the resources and stability of EMCO Corporation, a well-established leader in the distribution industry.

Location: Milton, Ontario (Remote candidates considered. Due to frequent travel, a location near a major airport hub would be desirable)

Visionary Leadership:

• Develop and communicate a compelling vision for the financial performance, growth and expansion for Riptide aligning with market trends, customer needs, and industry developments.
• Inspire and motivate the team to embrace the vision and work collaboratively towards its realization.
• Lead the organization in leveraging cutting-edge technology and data-driven decision-making to drive operational efficiency and customer-centric innovations. Implement data analytics and business intelligence tools to continuously refine business strategies and enhance performance
• Champion our Strategic Priorities…L (P x C)= R. Take a foundational approach focused on Leadership, People and Customers…all leading to world class Results.
• Embrace and Lead by our Core Values and Key Business Principles. Hajoca leaders are responsible for living, nurturing, coaching, and advocating for Our Core Values of Fairness and Caring, Trust and Respect, Generous Listening, Straight Talk.

Strategic Planning:

• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive strategic plans to drive business growth and profitability.
• Identify market opportunities and competitive threats and develop strategies to capitalize on strengths and mitigate risks.
• Utilize data analysis and market insights to inform strategic decisions and prioritize investment opportunities.
• Drive innovation and differentiation within the market served, identifying emerging trends and opportunities for strategic partnerships or acquisitions.
• Oversee the development and implementation of budgets, forecasts, and financial plans to optimize profitability.
• Act as a liaison between the Riptide and other business units within EMCO Corporation, fostering synergy and collaboration across departments.

Operational Excellence:

• Oversee all aspects of the enterprise, ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance with company governance, government and industry standards and regulations.
• Implement best practices and operational processes to optimize productivity, streamline workflows, and reduce costs.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), including revenue growth, customer satisfaction, fulfillment speed, and cost optimization. Proactively develop strategies to improve performance, ensuring alignment with short- and long-term business goals.

Sourcing, Procurement, and Importing:

• Lead the sourcing, procurement, and importing efforts, establishing, and nurturing relationships with suppliers and vendors globally.
• Negotiate favorable terms and agreements to ensure competitive pricing, quality assurance, and reliable supply chains.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, trade regulations, and geopolitical developments that may impact sourcing and importing activities.

Marketing and Brand Development:

• Develop and execute marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility, drive customer acquisition, and increase market share.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop compelling campaigns, promotional materials, and digital marketing initiatives.
• Leverage data analytics and customer insights to optimize marketing efforts and improve return on investment.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Master’s or bachelor’s degree in business administration or related field
• 8+ years’ demonstrated expertise in sales, business development, marketing, sourcing, procurement (or importing) with a track record of driving business growth and profitability. Within the distribution, import/export, or manufacturing industries
• 5+ years’ experience in general management with an understanding and ability to guide leaders in all core functions (i.e. operations, sales, marketing, IT, finance, etc.)
• Strong ability and experience in managing P&L and financial performance.
• Demonstrated success in developing future leaders and cultivating a high performing, engaged workforce. Actively mentor and coach team members to reach their full potential while creating succession plans to ensure organizational continuity and leadership development
• Exceptional relationship management skills with the ability to build and grow connections with people of all types and backgrounds.
• A passion for continuous improvement with demonstrated success developing innovative solutions to drive efficiency, quality and growth.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans and goals to drive business growth and profitability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the capabilities to negotiate and persuade varying audiences, both internal and external
• Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, resource management and time management skills.
• Comfort exhibiting emotional intelligence while still able to be a disruptor and challenge the status quo.
• Experience as a strong recruiter and developer of world class talent
• Comfort with travel (25-50%)

Our culture is well-suited for exceptional people who use their talents to drive business and want to share in the financial success their efforts yield. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a Profit-Sharing Program that provides each team member with an opportunity to earn a direct share of the profits on an annual basis

Why Join Our Team?

EMCO Corporation is one of Canada’s largest integrated wholesale distributors of plumbing, HVAC, waterworks, and industrial products for the construction industry. We have endless opportunities for you to grow and develop in your career and a culture that prides itself in supporting you every step of the way!

In addition, we will offer you:

• Great mentors and on-the-job training
• Growth potential with competitive salary, benefits, and profit sharing
• A career with a solid, stable company with strong core values
• Participation in our pension plan with employer contributions
• Work-life balance and flex time

Riptide is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a discrimination, harassment, and barrier free workplace where all employees can contribute to their fullest potential. Riptide is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplaces. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, creed, place of origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, family or parental status, or any other characteristic protected by the law. We welcome applications from all minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, neurodiversity, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.