Managing Director

We're looking for someone with the proven ability to build a business from the ground up in a new market. Does that sound like you?

OVERVIEW

Based near Chicago, USA, this company manufactures high-value precision assemblies for defense, aerospace, semiconductor, and medical industries. With 350 employees and annual revenue exceeding $100 million, it's a major player in North America. Achieving over 10% annual growth for seven years, it provides innovative solutions to magnetic engineering challenges. Now expanding into Europe, it aims to replicate its success. Despite R&D investments, it maintains profitability and enjoys support from a committed investor.

JOB SUMMARY

The Company is looking for an experienced P&L leader to drive growth in Europe. Responsibilities include developing business strategy, building teams, advocating for resources, and ensuring financial health. Reporting to the CEO, this leader will collaborate on strategic planning and oversee sales, engineering, and potential manufacturing. The Managing Director of Europe will have the autonomy to adjust plans to achieve growth objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Development

• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop strategic objectives for Europe.
• Lead market analysis, site selection criteria, and other business development activities.
• Create a comprehensive business plan to achieve objectives.
• Monitor key performance indicators and make adjustments as needed.
• Assist in M&A efforts and due diligence processes.
• Build and develop a capable team to achieve growth targets.
• Foster a supportive organizational culture aligned with global standards.
• Adapt the European organization to meet strategic objectives.

Execution

• Ensure communication of company policies and legal guidelines from top to bottom.
• Participate in market development activities.
• Maintain high-trust relationships with stakeholders.
• Oversee company performance and adjust strategies to meet goals.
• Delegate tasks and provide guidance to maximize team performance.
• Analyze and resolve problematic situations using a root cause approach.
• Regularly report business outcomes to management.

REQUIREMENTS & SKILLS

• Proven experience as a Managing Director or similar role growing a business
• Demonstrated success in developing long-term strategic and annual business plans.
• Experience in building organizations and retaining key personnel.
• Strong leadership background, preferably with career growth in commercial or engineering roles.
• Clear experience in customer engagement on an engineer-to-engineer business model, new product development, and managing commercial opportunities.
• Ability to oversee a new product development-oriented engineering team.
• Knowledge of strategic market dynamics and corporate finance.
• Proficiency in deploying lean and 6 Sigma tools for productivity and business improvement.
• Experience in data-driven environments and familiarity with business systems.
• Familiarity with European legal and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation abilities.
• Outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in English is required; conversational proficiency in multiple European languages is preferred.
• Team-oriented, high energy, and resilient.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree is required, with an engineering degree and/or an MBA is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 to 10 years of experience in managing (executive, commercial or engineering) in one or more of our strategic markets (Medical, Military, Aerospace, and Semiconductor).

INTERESTED?

We are committed to submitting suitable candidates for this vacancy to our client ASAP, for more information contact Jacqui Grimwood on LinkedIn at PER Recruitment or send your CV to jacqui.g@per-international.com