General Manager at Chicagoland Equipment & Supply LLC – Hodgkins, Illinois

Job Overview:

CES Family of Companies is seeking a dynamic and entrepreneurial General Manager to drive sales, lead operations, and elevate overall business performance within a fast-paced foodservice supplies and equipment environment. This role requires a person who is obsessed with growth and driving a culture of growth with a passion for creating exceptional customer experiences. Someone who is both equally strategic and hands-on. Capable of managing a P&L, scaling processes, identifying talent and building high-performing teams. The ideal candidate has experience working in the grocery channel and understands how to create value for the independent grocer.

Our Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision coverage available
• 401(k) Plan
• Company paid life insurance
• Paid Vacation & Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute sales strategies that increase revenue, market share, and profitability
• Identify new business opportunities, partnerships, and local marketing initiatives to drive growth
• Strengthening customer engagement through relationships, brand presence, and white glove service
• Analyze sales performance to identify trends and actionable improvement opportunities
• Oversee daily operations across production, customer service, transportation and procurement
• Implement operational systems, SOPs, and performance standards that improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Lead labor management, scheduling, staffing plans, and compliance across all functional areas
• Full ownership of budgeting, forecasting, and P&L performance
• Analyze key metrics including COGS, labor, inventory, and margin to improve profitability
• Use reporting dashboards and data-driven insights to support decision-making
• Optimize vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and supply chain resources
• Lead with an owner’s mindset – resourceful, solutions-focused, and comfortable operating with limited structure
• Identify new revenue streams, operational efficiencies, and innovative business opportunities
• Drive continuous improvement and champion change across the organization

Qualifications:

• Grocery channel experience a must
• Over 7 years of progressive leadership experience in food & beverage, hospitality, restaurant distribution environments
• Experience managing full operations with P&L ownership
• Proven success in driving sales growth and building customer relationships
• Strong financial acumen with experience in cost control, forecasting, and KPI management
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities and complex operational environments