Chief Executive Officer (Material Handling)

Our client is the developer and manufacturer of the worldwide leading ergonomic pallet strapping system which has (almost) no competitors in North America. The product is being used in distribution centers and manufacturing plants alike – the applications span every environment a pallet is being packed in. The company established its American subsidiary a few years ago; current team size is 10-20 team members. The company has a well-established international presence with headquarters in Germany and can leverage, if needed, the resources of over 200 operating companies in 31 countries belonging to the same global holding company located in Scandinavia – which is known for world-class management and a very long-term investment horizon.

To enter the next stage of the expansion in the growing North American market, our client is recruiting a hands-on, strategic, and results-oriented CEO to lead the overall general management, sales and business development, and key account management activities of the US organization.

The company has thousands of potential clients in the distribution center industry and tens of thousands of clients in the supply chain and manufacturing industry. The growth potential is enormous.

This challenging, yet exciting, position requires a strategic, experienced, and hands-on CEO to direct all aspects of the Company’s activities in the United States and lead the organization toward growing and maintaining a strong market presence while achieving maximum sales volume and profitability.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and vision to the US subsidiary and actively participate in the development and execution of mid- and long-term plans, priorities, and goals.
• Review and improve the existing sales and organizational structure, particularly develop and refine processes and structures that will allow the company to scale effectively and dynamically increase the company’s market share, sales revenue, and profitability.
• Drive sales and strategic targeting of key markets and clients and leverage existing connections for business growth opportunities.
• Actively engage in the acquisition of new key customers while maintaining relationships with existing clients and partners.
• Evaluate industry and business trends to identify potential opportunities as well as potential impact on operations.
• Set up indirect sales channels by identifying, qualifying, building, and managing business relationships with dealers and distributors.
• Serve as a change agent for business improvements, new initiatives, policies, and processes. Establish credibility throughout the organization as an effective developer of solutions to business challenges.
• Actively manage the U.S. subsidiary’s P&L and provide guidance and leadership to the US team.
• Develop and maintain a deep knowledge of the markets, the industry, and the individual key players who drive and/or influence investment decisions.
• Support and participate in local and global trade fairs, conferences, workshops, etc.
• Represent the organization in important external business relationships with major clients, joint venture partners, and the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key qualifications:

• Several years of leadership experience in general management, sales, key account management, business development, and/or overall operations ideally from managing a subsidiary of a similar size organization.
• A proven track record managing a company or business unit with a budget is strongly preferred.
• A sales background on pallet strapping systems and/or related products would be a strong advantage but is not required.
• Demonstrated experience selling to multiple markets and channels is highly desirable.
• Experience with value selling and designing an account penetration strategy/plan is strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership and management skills, combining sound judgment, team building, and clear communication and negotiation skills
• Demonstrated experience in managing existing accounts and building new partnerships with potential customers.
• Show success in maintaining and establishing new business, negotiating contracts, and closing deals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills along with the ability to communicate complex business issues concisely and work with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• An existing network of industry contacts in relevant industries would be a strong advantage.