THE OPPORTUNITY 

• Are you excited by the opportunity to join a 175-year-old faith-based community that has a history of making, packaging, and selling fruitcake and fudge?
• Are you seeking a hands-on general management role with tenured employees and a consistent schedule?
• Are you passionate about supporting a community of Trappist monks dedicated to a life of prayer and manual labor?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

The Abbey of Gethsemani is a Roman Catholic community of 35 Trappist monks located near Bardstown, Kentucky (approximately 1 hour from Louisville and Lexington, KY). Founded in 1848, Gethsemani is the oldest Trappist monastery in the country that is still operating. Trappists have lived, prayed, and worked in this house of the Lord – the proto-abbey of North America – for over 175 years.

Gethsemani Farms has a history at this location by making, packaging, and selling fruitcake and fudge. The primary sales channel is a mail order system that receives orders through mail, phone or website. Order fulfillment is completed in house. Sales for FY 2024 from this operation were more than $2M and total shipments exceeded 35,000.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Gethsemani Farms is seeking an experienced General Manager to assume full P&L responsibility for the operation, assisting the community in growing and improving profitability. Reporting to the Finance Committee, the General Manager leads business plan development, manages procurement and supplier relationships, develops sales strategies, oversees HR functions and FDA compliance, and manages a team of 20 full-time and part-time employees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop coordinated annual business plans for bakery production, fudge production, catalogue production and mailing, order taking and order fulfillment.
• Seek and implement improved operating processes utilizing new technologies and improved processes.
• Oversee technology and maintain product and customer databases.
• Manage procurement of all supplies for baking, packaging, catalogue production and shipping seeking to improve unit costs. Manage all supplier relationships.
• Develop sales strategies to grow business. Manage branding for all products, packaging and website design.
• Oversee HR functions including benefit administration for employees. Direct all staff, manage hiring to ensure sufficient staff on hand. Develop succession plan for key employees.
• Provide the finance council with quarterly overview reports on unit performance as compared to operating business plans.
• Oversee FDA facility standards compliance, facility inspections.
• Represent the Monastery with inspectors.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 5 years of general management experience preferably in a product manufacturing / production business
• Demonstrated leadership skills managing teams and building constructive work environment
• Experienced financial planning, accounting reporting skills
• Online marketing and sales experience preferred
• Minimum College degree, business, accounting or finance desired; MBA preferred

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• A leader who demonstrates strong people management skills.
• An experienced professional that is satisfied with consistent operations.
• An emotionally intelligent person who is comfortable in a religious environment.

THE PAYOFF

• Collaborate with a talented, consistent, faith-driven team.
• See your efforts support the lives of those involved with and supported by the Abbey of Gethsemani.
• Compensation includes a competitive base salary, benefits package, and PTO.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you are drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This is an in-person role near Bardstown, KY.