General Manager _The Netherlands

General Manager

Business Strategy:

• Develop and execute comprehensive business strategies aligned with company goals and market trends.

• Identify new market opportunities and develop strategies to capitalize on them.

• Drive product innovation initiatives based on market feedback and technological advancements in PU manufacturing 

Sales and Marketing:

• Lead the development and execution of sales and marketing strategies to expand market share and achieve revenue targets.

• Collaborate with the sales team to identify and pursue new business opportunities, including strategic partnerships and customer acquisitions.

• Work closely with marketing to develop compelling messaging and promotional materials that highlight product features and benefits.

Customer Focus:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key customers, understanding their needs and expectations.

• Act as a primary point of contact for customer inquiries, issues, and feedback, ensuring timely and effective resolution.

• Champion a customer-centric approach throughout the organization, driving initiatives to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Profit & Loss Management:

• Develop annual budgets and forecasts in collaboration with finance and executive teams.

• Monitor financial performance against budget and forecast, analyzing variances and identifying opportunities for cost savings and revenue growth.

• Implement cost control measures to maintain profitability while ensuring high product quality and customer satisfaction.

Operations Management:

• Production Operations/Management:

• Oversee all aspects of production planning and scheduling to ensure efficient use of resources and timely delivery of products.

• Implement lean manufacturing principles to streamline workflows and minimize waste.

• Monitor production metrics and KPIs to optimize productivity and meet production targets.

• Collaborate with engineering and quality assurance teams to implement process improvements and ensure product quality

Team Leadership and People Management:

• Provide strong leadership and mentorship to the manufacturing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback to team members to support their professional development and growth.

• Promote a safe working environment and ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations.

• Manage staffing needs, including recruitment, training, and development of personnel to build a skilled and motivated workforce.

Technical Knowledge: (Optional)

• Possess in-depth knowledge of Polyurethane (PU) manufacturing processes, including material properties, formulation, molding techniques, and curing processes.

• Understand the application of PU materials in pipeline inspection and maintenance, including the performance characteristics required for different operational environments.

• Stay updated with advancements in PU technology and materials science to drive continuous improvement and innovation in product development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business Administration, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• Proven experience (minimum 7-10 years) in a senior management role within a manufacturing environment, ideally in plastics or related industries.
• (Optional) In-depth knowledge of Polyurethane (PU) manufacturing processes and applications, with a strong technical background in materials science.
• Demonstrated success in business development, strategic planning, and operations management.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, financial analysis, and P&L responsibility.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving common goals.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of innovation and driving change in a competitive market environment.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Dutch or other languages is a plus.