Managing Director (Building Materials Industry)

Our client is a leading provider of metal roofing and cladding solutions known for their high quality and reliability. The products are sold mainly through DIY channels. The company maintains multiple production sites, representative offices, and logistics platforms in Europe, and is now looking to expand its operations in the United States and Canada.

To this end, TH Bender has been engaged to support the search for a Managing Director responsible for successfully setting up the company’s business operations in the Americas, leveraging the parent organization's existing brand, Rolodex, and industry expertise. The company plans to build a sales and manufacturing facility in Norfolk, VA and the successful incumbent will be instrumental in its complete life cycle – from blueprint to start of production. A second manufacturing site is envisioned.

This multi-faceted role involves sales/commercial, administrative, and operational management responsibilities. This challenging, yet exciting, position requires a well-versed, hands-on leader with proven experience in successfully starting a company from the ground up.

Key responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive analysis of market potential in existing and potential target markets (i.e., US DIY home improvement market and hardware & building materials market). Lead the development of the overall market entry strategy.
• Build, develop, and manage relationships with key existing and potential customers.
• Implement and execute marketing and positioning strategies that leverage the brand, reputation, and global office network.
• Be actively involved in all phases of project construction of the manufacturing facility from start to finish, including project planning, site selection, building permit applications and submittal, budget management, etc.
• Together with the global executive management team, set specific and measurable short- and long-term strategic plans, priorities, and goals.
• Lead the development of talent at various levels of the site. Ensure that recruitment, training, development, disciplinary issues, etc. are managed.
• Prioritize and organize the duties and responsibilities of the US team to fulfill multiple objectives.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Implement operational guidelines and procedures as well as manufacturing standards.
• Initiate relevant manufacturing certifications, and coordinate with the Quality team.
• Evaluate operations management software packages such as SAP to meet its operational targets and strategic goals.
• Evaluate industry and business trends to identify potential opportunities and impact on operations.
• Maintain close cooperation and regular communication with global headquarters and international counterparts.
• Represent the organization in important external business relationships.
• Support and participate in local and global trade fairs, conferences, etc.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering or any related discipline is required.
• Several years of sales/commercial and general management experience with direct, hands-on leadership experience in a manufacturing management capacity.
• Prior experience successfully setting up or green-fielding a manufacturing facility is required for this role.
• Experience within the metal roofing and cladding industry for residential and commercial applications would be ideal.
• Technical background in metal products and metal production processes i.e., cutting/slicing/forming would be an advantage.
• Demonstrated experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment for products sold to large retailers is required.
• An existing network of industry contacts in relevant industries would be a strong advantage.
• A proven track record managing a department, region, company, or business unit with budget and/or P&L responsibility is strongly preferred.
• Strong experience in partnering with the entire supply chain. Strong familiarity with ERP systems as they relate to manufacturing.
• Global perspective awareness and experience working in an international environment would be beneficial.