ARA Hardware, a division of the ARA Group, is a well-established and respected New Zealand supplier of premium door hardware to the construction industry. Passionate about their work, the team is committed to delivering excellence and setting the standard as an industry leader. Their collaborative approach with their clients underpins a reputation for exceptional service on every project.

Are you a commercially astute and operationally driven General Manager with the capability to lead a nationwide network of branches? On the back of business expansion, we are searching for a proven leader who can balance strategic oversight with hands-on operational execution.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, the General Manager will oversee daily operations across the branch network, drive business performance, and ensure alignment with organisational goals. Broader construction sector experience is essential, with door hardware experience considered a bonus. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience leading multi-site operations, a passion for mentoring high-performing teams, and a collaborative approach to business partnering across all levels of the organisation.

About the Role:

• Lead strategy and vision - develop and promote a clearly defined company vision and long-term strategy, while identifying competitive threats and ensuring appropriate responses
• Own the brand and values - take ownership of the ARA brand as a key business asset, fostering a high-performing culture and positioning ARA as an employer of choice
• Drive operational and financial performance - oversee operations to meet customer needs and service levels, set pricing guidelines, manage regional sales and tenders, and ensure achievement of EBITDA and profitability targets
• Develop people and culture - create a high-performing team through direction, mentoring, and performance management. Champion cross-divisional collaboration, employee recognition, and conflict resolution to build a cohesive workforce
• Ensure compliance and improvement - lead continuous improvement in health and safety systems and ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and environmental requirements across all areas of the business

Skills and Experience:

• Proven ability to apply business and management principles across strategic planning, resource allocation, and coordination of people and resources
• Sound understanding of economic and accounting principles, with practical experience in financial oversight and performance management
• Strong capability in sales and marketing, including customer needs assessment, service quality standards, and customer satisfaction evaluation
• Practical knowledge of public safety and security protocols to protect people, property, data, and organisational assets
• Skilled in interpreting commercial contracts and regulatory requirements, with experience negotiating across stakeholders and influencing at executive level

Benefits:

• Lead a respected New Zealand supplier of premium door hardware
• Conveniently located in Mt Wellington with on-site parking
• Competitive salary + Kiwi Saver
• Inclusive, cohesive, and high-performing team culture
• Growth-focused business - innovation, continuous improvement, and strategic acquisition

Are you a strategic leader with a proven track record in multi-branch operations and industry expertise in door hardware or construction, and ready to make a significant impact? If so, we want to hear from you.

How to Apply

Your application will be reviewed within 5 working days of receipt. Should your application be shortlisted, a Talent Connector will schedule a short phone interview with you to discuss the next steps in the recruitment process.

Part of our pre-employment checks post-interview may include a Ministry of Justice check, personality profiling, a health assessment, and/or drug & alcohol testing.

About Talent Connection

Our mission is simple: We help align individuals' and employers' goals with our recruitment expertise. Our key point of difference is that we don’t charge a commission, so you can rest assured we will not be “selling” you into a role.