General Manager

Job description

OKHA is a leading international contemporary furniture and design studio, renowned for creating timeless, sophisticated interiors and meticulously crafted pieces that blend art, design, and functionality. We are seeking an accomplished General Manager to oversee the day-to-day operational management of OKHA, driving performance, efficiency, and excellence across all departments.

This pivotal role reports directly to the managing director and will absorb key operational responsibilities, ensuring OKHA continues to operate as a world-class design studio at the forefront of the luxury interiors industry.

Key responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Translate overall business strategy into actionable departmental plans, ensuring effective execution and alignment across the business.
• Demonstrate strong digital literacy by leveraging technology and systems to drive operational efficiency and insight.

Operational leadership

• Oversee and coordinate all OKHA departments including sales, production, administration, and supplier liaison, ensuring operational excellence and interdepartmental alignment.
• Ensure reliable, responsive, and professional service delivery to both internal teams and external stakeholders with a solution-driven mindset.
• Evaluate and enhance business operations to optimize resources, improve workflows, and maintain quality standards.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, and cost controls to ensure profitability and sustainability.
• Develop and implement systems, processes, and KPIs to measure, monitor, and drive performance.
• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of business initiatives within agreed timelines and scope.
• Oversee smooth transitions during operational or structural changes, ensuring effective change management and minimal disruption.
• Resolve operational or interpersonal challenges constructively.
• Drive results across all areas of sales, production, administration, and business development.
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the organization.
• Operational oversight by department

Sales

• Monitor sales performance, analyse trends, and collaborate with the managing director on merchandise pricing, promotional materials, and marketing alignment.

Production

• Oversee scheduling, workflows, and resource allocation.
• Ensure timely delivery, adherence to production plans, and maintenance of quality control standards.

Supplier liaison

• Manage supplier relationships and implement standard contracts to mitigate risk.

Administration

• Supervise finance, HR, inventory management, and general administration to enhance productivity and reduce operational costs.

Systems development

• Identify workflow inefficiencies and introduce automation or digital solutions to streamline operations.
• Implement integrated inventory systems to monitor stock, reduce waste, and enable real-time tracking of orders and production.
• Standardise quality control and data collection for transparency and fast issue resolution.
• Centralise communication systems to align teams and improve coordination.
• Use analytics to monitor KPIs and inform business decisions.
• Ensure systems are scalable for custom and large-scale projects.
• Provide training and support for successful system adoption.

People leadership

• Recruit, develop, and manage staff across all OKHA departments, ensuring strong succession planning.
• Cultivate a high-performance, collaborative, and accountable culture.
• Coach and mentor team members, fostering professional growth and engagement.
• Promote OKHA’s values and brand ethos internally and externally.
• Act as a trusted, respected, and inspiring leader who models professionalism and integrity.

Requirements

Essential skills and criteria

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a senior leadership or general management role.
• Relevant business degree required.
• Experience within design, production, or luxury product manufacturing is highly advantageous.
• Proven strategic thinking, financial acumen, and business planning ability.
• Skilled in operational optimization, systems development, and performance management.
• Strong leadership presence with high emotional intelligence and sound judgment.
• Comfortable operating in a complex, multicultural environment.
• Proven ability to forecast, plan, and create continuity strategies.
• Decisive, adaptable, and resilient under pressure.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Highly accurate, efficient, and results driven.
• Collaborative, dependable, and punctual with an unwavering sense of professionalism and accountability.

Behavioural criteria

• The general manager must consistently demonstrate professionalism, fairness, ethical conduct, and responsibility.
• A high level of accuracy, diligence, and discretion is expected at all times.

Why join OKHA

At OKHA, you will join a globally respected brand that values innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration. You will work alongside a passionate and creative team, shaping the operational foundation that allows design excellence to flourish. This is an opportunity to lead with vision, elevate performance, and leave a tangible impact on a company celebrated for its artistry and precision.

Posted on 28 Oct 13:45, Closing date 26 Dec