General Manager / Business Development
Cogent Analytics
Franklin, TN
Sales / Marketing, Business Development
The General Manager is the senior leader responsible for driving revenue growth, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring the delivery of high‑quality signage solutions. This role leads the company’s sales effort while managing cross‑functional teams—including sales, design, production, installation, and administration—to achieve strong financial performance and exceptional customer satisfaction. The GM sets the strategic direction, builds a high‑performing sales culture, and ensures operational excellence across the organization.
This is a turnaround position to help a struggling business. This person must have experience revitalizing a business and driving sales in the signage industry or related industry.
Key Responsibilities:
Sales Leadership & Business Development
- Serve as the primary driver of the company’s sales strategy and revenue growth
- Develop and execute sales plans, prospecting strategies, and key account management initiatives
- Participate directly in major sales opportunities, client presentations, and high‑value quoting
- Analyze market trends, identify new business opportunities, and expand the company’s presence in target industries
- Ensure accurate, timely, and competitive estimating and proposal development
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, partners, and referral sources
- Provide hands‑on leadership to all departments: sales, design, production, installation, and customer service
- Recruit, train, and develop team members to build a cohesive, high‑performing organization
- Establish clear performance expectations and hold staff accountable for results
- Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Own the company’s P&L, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
- Monitor job costing, margins, labor efficiency, and material usage
- Implement cost‑control measures and identify opportunities to improve profitability
- Approve purchasing decisions and manage vendor relationships
- Ensure a consistent, high‑quality customer experience from initial inquiry through installation
- Resolve escalated customer issues with professionalism and urgency
- Maintain high standards of quality, accuracy, and service across all departments
- Develop and execute strategic plans to increase revenue, market share, and operational efficiency
- Evaluate and implement new technologies, equipment, and service offerings
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across sales, operations, and customer service
Required
- 5+ years of management experience, ideally in signage, printing, manufacturing, construction, or a related industry
- Background in B2B sales, account management, or business development
- Proven success leading sales teams and achieving revenue targets
- Strong understanding of production workflows and project management
- Experience managing budgets, financials, and performance metrics
- Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
- Experience with sign‑industry software
- Knowledge of permitting processes, ADA signage requirements, and installation methods
- Bonus and equity options based on company growth and profitability
- Lead and grow the sales department into a larger division
- Work in a collaborative environment with cross-functional teams
- Influence company strategy through pipeline management and performance metrics
- The above base plus equity in the company
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- PTO & Holidays
- Life Insurance, Long-term & Short-term disability
- 401k with match regardless of contributions
About the company
Company website•Business Consulting and Services
Cogent Analytics | Business Management Consulting for Privately Held SMBs
Cogent Analytics is a business management consulting firm that helps privately held small and mid-sized businesses across the U.S. improve profitability, operational efficiency, and long-term growth.
Founded in 2014, Cogent has grown from a team of six to 220+ consultants and professionals, supporting Main Street businesses in 36 U.S. states.
We partner with:
- Privately held small & mid-sized businesses
- Owners, presidents, and executive leadership teams
- Multi-location and growth-stage companies
Our consultants deliver data-driven, people-centric business consulting across key areas including:
- Operations & process improvement
- Financial performance & profitability
- Leadership development
- Sales & organizational effectiveness
We specialize exclusively in Main Street businesses — organizations that form the backbone of local economies and communities. Our approach focuses not just on the business, but on the people behind it.
Why Cogent Analytics:
- 220+ professionals nationwide
- Serving businesses in 36 U.S. states
- A+ Better Business Bureau rating
- Long-term, lifecycle client partnerships built on trust and results
At Cogent Analytics, we believe your business is our business. We exist to help entrepreneurs overcome challenges, reach their full potential, and build stronger communities.
Learn more: www.cogentanalytics.com
Contact: [email protected]
(336) 665-8154