General Manager - Europe (Belgium HQ)

Our client is a PE backed manufacturer with established operations in six continents spread over 100 countries. With 8 manufacturing sites and 30 sales offices. The group has a P&L of c€300 million.

They are looking to recruit a seasoned General Manager Europe reporting directly to the Group CEO.

The position purpose is to:

Lead the European business, and streamline and manage the teams (500 employees) in line with the overall company strategy.

Steer Sales, Manufacturing and Supply Chain functions to build a solid demand plans and sales forecasts.

Protect the margin and the customer by maintaining and gaining market share.

Build a strong product strategy and rationalise product catalogue in strong collaboration with local sales teams and customers and product management.

Manage a team of 9 direct reports, consisting of 500 employees.

Develop and implement Europe business and sales strategies that align with the company’s goals and objectives.

Managing budget and finances; lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting for the European business.

Lead teams to ensure that all aspects of the business are operating smoothly.

Drive growth and profitability in the Europe region.

Drive efficiency for the production sites (Belgium, Germany, Poland, Italy and Turkey)

Major key accountabilities include:

Build relationships with key customers and partners to drive sales and increase customer satisfaction.

Identity new market opportunities.

Stay up to date with industry trends and best practices in sales and marketing and operations.

Improve operational efficiency and time to market.

Candidate Profile

In terms of the performance and personal competencies required for the position, we would highlight the following:

Key skills & experience required:

Track record as General Manager and P&L management. Experience in turnaround is a benefit.

Industry experience in B2B engineering products.

Understand pricing and has experience with omnichannel sales & marketing and e-commerce.

Understands margins – both costs and prices – and has experience with margin expansion.

Experience of driving performance management.

Strong on discipline and Our client behaviours, which are Act with Urgency, One Our client, Getting Results, Diversity & Inclusion, Be Impactful and Personal Development

Experience in cost and cash management.

Based in Belgium or France/Paris initially with flexibility and travel to sites on a regular basis.

French speaker ideal.