General Manager

Our client, an industrial manufacturing company specializing in metal cutting, with over 50 years of experience in this sector, is looking for a General Manager.

Role mission

The mission of the General Manager is to ensure the strategic and operational development of the company, by coordinating all business functions simultaneously and implementing reorganization and process optimization programs. Your mission is to increase commercial performance, operational efficiency, and company profitability, ensuring that company remains competitive and innovative within the automotive industry.

Location: North-Vest Romania

Areas of responsibility and impact

A. Business Development Strategy

• Define and implement the company’s overall growth strategy, including sales, operations, production, and aftermarket.
• Develop short- and long-term business plans with clear financial objectives (profit, EBITDA, cash flow).
• Identify opportunities for expansion into new markets and diversification of the product and service portfolio.

B. Operational Management and Reorganization

• Analyze and optimize internal processes to improve efficiency and operational quality.
• Implement reorganization, restructuring, and digitalization projects, with a focus on costs, lead times, and resources.
• Ensure compliance with automotive-specific production, quality, and safety standards (ISO, IATF etc.).

C. Commercial Management and Customer Relations

• Develop the commercial strategy and sales objectives for both local and international markets.
• Monitor and optimize the performance of sales and aftermarket teams.
• Maintain and develop strategic relationships with key partners, suppliers, and customers.

D. Leadership and Team Development

• Lead multidisciplinary teams, fostering a culture of performance, collaboration, and accountability.
• Identify and develop leaders and talents within the organization.
• Communicate the company vision and objectives across the organization, ensuring team alignment.

E. Financial Analysis and Control

• Oversee budgets, P&L, and key performance indicators, ensuring the company’s financial sustainability.
• Analyze business data to make fast, strategic, and corrective decisions.
• Coordinate reporting to the Board of Directors and shareholders.

Ideal candidate profile

Experience and Education:

• Experience: Minimum 10 years in top management roles, with operational and commercial responsibility. Experience in reorganization and process optimization is mandatory.
• Industry: Relevant experience in the manufacturing/engineering industries or related; experience in the automotive industry is a plus.
• Education: Engineering degree (preferably mechanical, automotive, or industrial engineering) and/or complementary studies in business/management.

Technical Competencies (Hard Skills):

• Strong understanding of the production chain and operational processes.
• Financial and commercial management: ability to analyze P&L, complex budgets, and operational KPIs.
• Reorganization, restructuring, and process optimization skills.
• Knowledge of digitalization and automation of industrial processes.
• English – advanced level (written and spoken).

Personal Competencies (Soft Skills):

• Visionary leadership and strong team motivation skills.
• Strategic thinking and the ability to make fast, well-founded decisions.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Resilience, adaptability, and strong results orientation.

Key performance indicators

• Growth in company sales and profitability.
• Operational efficiency measured through cost optimization and delivery lead times.
• Successful implementation of reorganization and restructuring projects.
• Customer and strategic partner satisfaction level.
• Development and retention of key talents within the company.

Thank you for your interest in this professional opportunity! Please note that you will be contacted by an Antal recruiter only if your experience matches the role you applied for. Your CV will be kept in our database for future professional opportunities that may be suitable for the next step in your career.

By applying for this job, you grant Antal Romania/Cluj-Napoca Office written consent and full permission to store your CV in Antal’s systems and to send it to Antal’s clients for evaluation as a candidate for available positions in their organizations.