General Manager - Real Meals, Nelson

26 McMahon Street, Stoke, Nelson 7011, New Zealand Req #513 Lead an innovative food company through its next phase of growth About Real Meals Real Meals is a Nelson-based food company specialising in premium freeze-dried meals, designed primarily for outdoor sports such as tramping, hunting, and mountaineering. Unlike most other providers in the market, Real Meals employs a unique manufacturing technique that freeze-dries chef-made meals, resulting in superior taste and an authentic, home-cooked experience. This distinctive process sets Real Meals apart and has been a key factor in the brand’s success.Originally launched in 2012 as Absolute Wilderness, the company was rebranded as Real Meals in 2020 after ownership transitioned to world champion adventure racer Nathan Fa’avae and his partners. Since then, Real Meals has experienced steady growth, including a major factory upgrade to meet increasing market demand. With rapid expansion on the horizon, Real Meals is seeking a dynamic and strategic General Manager to drive the company’s continued success.About the Role The General Manager is a new role and will offer the successful candidate the opportunity to establish a clear management structure and lead the company through an exciting growth phase. Key Responsibilities In conjunction with the board, develop and implement a plan to grow the business.Manage staff and cultivate a high-performance workplace culture. Lead market development initiatives, including the development of export markets and the marketing, branding, and advertising strategies. Enhance relationships with customers to drive sales and identify opportunities for growth. Ensure quality control and compliance with food safety regulations.Lead efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives. Ensure that workplace systems, processes and culture promote a safe working environment. Promote energy efficiency and sustainability efforts. Manage the financial functions with an emphasis on budgeting and cost control. Plan for the establishment of a new production facility within the next 2–3 years.Requirements Proven leadership experience in food production or a related industry. A background in sales and marketing would be advantageous. Strong knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Ability to drive business growth and operational efficiency.Nelson based, with travel within New Zealand and Australia as required. Why Join Us? Opportunity to lead an innovative and growing company. Career development and leadership opportunities. Work with a passionate team in a dynamic and adventurous industry. This is an exciting opportunity for a driven leader to take Real Meals to the next level. If you have the vision, experience, and passion to lead a high-growth food business, we’d love to hear from you.#J-18808-Ljbffr