Managing Director, US

Introduction

Our client is a well-established international manufacturer of precision-engineered equipment and innovative process-based solutions. With a strong European heritage and operations spanning multiple continents, the company provides advanced technologies that improve production efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across a wide range of industries. Their success is built on decades of engineering excellence, close customer collaboration, and a commitment to quality and innovation.

Overview

Our client is seeking a dynamic and hands-on Managing Director to lead its smaller U.S. subsidiary through a period of growth and market expansion. This individual will have full responsibility for strategic, commercial, and operational leadership within the United States, ensuring the company strengthens its presence, deepens customer relationships, and executes an effective go-to-market strategy. This is a key leadership position with high visibility and the ability to make a major impact on the team and business. A successful candidate would bring strategic vision, strong people management skills, and the ability to execute in a lean, fast-paced environment. Please note they are happy to train up, and prefer candidates consider this as a long term opportunity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the overall operations of the U.S. entity, ensuring profitable growth and long-term sustainability
• Develop and execute the regional business strategy in collaboration with global leadership
• Strengthen the company’s brand presence and market share across key industrial segments
• Drive sales performance through direct customer engagement, coaching of the sales team, and development of channel partnerships
• Provide leadership and direction to a small, growing team
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and P&L management, ensuring sound financial discipline
• Maintain strong alignment with global headquarters on strategy, business performance, and operational initiatives
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all business functions
• Represent the company externally with customers, partners, and industry stakeholders
• Serve as a hands-on leader, actively participating in customer meetings, trade shows, and strategic project discussions
• Create an emotional, professional, an harmonious connection with the team

Requirements

• 15+ years of professional experience in industrial or technical manufacturing environments
• Proven leadership experience in a senior or general management role, ideally as a small business CEO, small to mid-sized Managing Director, or Director of a U.S. subsidiary
• Strong background in technical sales, operations, and business development within B2B manufacturing or a similar B2B industrial environment
• Sufficient understanding of financial management, budgeting, and P&L oversight
• Demonstrated ability to lead small, multidisciplinary teams and drive both strategy and execution
• Experience managing distributors and/or channel partners across the U.S. market
• Hands-on approach with strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
• Technical education or equivalent practical experience preferred (Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial Engineering background a plus)
• Ability to travel domestically up to 50%, international travel as required
• Long-term commitment mindset, driven by building up team members and meeting targets
• Passion for building sustainable business growth