General Manager – Building Products & Manufacturing

Location: Cherokee, Iowa

Base Salary: $85,000 + Quarterly Performance Bonus

Industry: Metal Roofing & Building Products

Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site

The Opportunity

American Dream Search's Building Products Practice has partnered with a rapidly expanding manufacturer and distributor of metal roofing and siding products to identify a General Manager for its Cherokee, Iowa facility. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially driven leader to take ownership of a growing operation, drive profitability, and play a key role in the company's continued expansion. The ideal candidate combines strong business development instincts with hands-on operational leadership and thrives in an entrepreneurial, growth-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Leadership: Oversee branch performance, including revenue, margins, operating expenses, and profitability.
• Sales Growth: Develop new business and expand existing customer relationships, particularly with contractors, lumberyards, distributors, and retail customers.
• Operations Management: Lead daily manufacturing, production planning, inventory, logistics, delivery, and customer service.
• Team Leadership: Manage, coach, and develop approximately 12 employees while fostering accountability, safety, and operational excellence.
• Market Expansion: Execute local and regional strategies to increase market penetration and drive profitable growth.
• Strategic Initiatives: Partner with senior leadership to help develop and implement a rail distribution strategy supporting regional expansion.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve productivity, operating efficiency, and overall financial performance.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, distribution, sales, or general management.
• Demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth while managing operational performance and profitability.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience developing customer relationships and expanding market share.
• Experience overseeing manufacturing, production, inventory, or distribution operations.
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on leadership style with strong financial and people management skills.
• Experience in metal roofing, steel processing, roll forming, or building products preferred but not required.
• Rail logistics or distribution network experience is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered.
• Willingness to work on-site in Cherokee, Iowa, with occasional travel as needed.

Compensation & Career Growth

• Base Salary: $85,000 annually.
• Performance Bonus: Quarterly bonus opportunity tied to branch profitability.
• Career Advancement: Potential to advance into regional or multi-location leadership as the organization continues expanding.
• Strategic Exposure: Opportunity to participate in new distribution initiatives and future growth projects.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is more than an opportunity to manage an established facility. Our client is seeking a leader who wants to build a business, develop a strong team, and make a measurable impact. With an expanding national footprint and an entrepreneurial leadership team, this role offers the opportunity to drive meaningful results and position yourself for long-term career growth.

Interested in Learning More?

This confidential search is being managed by the Building Products Practice at American Dream Search.

Joseph Santangelo

joe@americandreamsearch.com

Matthew Carroll

matt@americandreamsearch.com

American Dream Search

Commercial Talent for Industrial America

www.americandreamsearch.com