General Manager – Branch Operations
Location: Transat Marine - Barrie, Ontario (On-site, In-Office)
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Marine Parts Wholesale Distribution

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on General Manager to lead our Barrie branch. This role has full responsibility for branch performance, team leadership, customer relationships, and operational effectiveness. The General Manager works on-site in the Barrie office and partners closely with the Vancouver-based head office.

This is a visible leadership role that requires strong relationship-building skills, sound operational judgment, and the ability to balance day-to-day execution with longer-term business planning. Periodic travel is required with Transat Sales Reps in Central and Eastern Canada to maintain and grow relationships with customers.

Key Responsibilities

Branch Leadership & Operations

• Manage and support the day-to-day operations of the Barrie branch, including sales staff and warehouse staff
• Create a positive, accountable, and safety-focused workplace culture
• Ensure efficient order fulfillment, inventory management, and warehouse operations
• Serve as the senior on-site leader for all branch matters

Customer & Vendor Relationships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and vendors
• Support the sales team by reinforcing service standards and customer expectations
• Act as an escalation point for customer or vendor issues when required

Collaboration with Head Office

• Work closely with the VP of Operations and head office teams in Vancouver to align branch activities with national strategies
• Share regional market insights and operational feedback to support company-wide decision-making
• Ensure branch practices remain consistent with company policies and standards
• Provide input into branch budgeting, forecasting, and ongoing financial performance reviews
• Contribute recommendations on brand and product offerings tailored to the local market

Qualifications & Experience

• Management experience in wholesale distribution, supply chain, industrial sales, or a related environment
• Passion for boating and marine product knowledge is an asset
• Motivation in growing sales and market share
• Demonstrated experience leading both sales and operational/warehouse teams
• Strong customer relationship and communication skills
• Comfortable working in an in-office, hands-on leadership role
• Willingness to travel periodically

Compensation & Benefits
Western Marine Company and Transat Marine support sustainable work through competitive vacation time, paid holidays, and compensation. We have established a strong culture that respects life/work balance

• Salary Range: $80,000 - $95,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications
• Lucrative profit-sharing program
• Benefits package including health and dental coverage

Why This Role?

• Lead the Ontario branch of a national organization
• Autonomy to manage local operations while being supported by an established head office
• Opportunity to influence customer relationships, product mix, and operational performance
• Stable, specialized industry with long-term growth potential