Business Director (26890954) - reed.co.uk

Job Description

The General Manager/ Business Director – Industrial Refrigeration, China will be charged with developing and executing the Industrial Refrigeration growth plan in China, while meeting financial objectives of the business unit. The GM/BD has full P&L responsibility, and will provide local leadership to the business’s cross-functional management team including sales, engineering, operations, finance, and human resources. The position is based in Shanghai, China and will report to the Business Unit Leader for Industrial Refrigeration in Asia or the VP/GM – Industrial Refrigeration in USA.
Background
Our client is a business focused on the design, manufacture, installation, and commissioning of industrial refrigeration systems. The business unit sells directly to end users in various processing markets including food & beverage, chemical, petrochemical, and oil & gas. The business unit operates one manufacturing facility in Shanghai and employees approximately 40 people.
Responsibilities
Drive Sales Growth – Provide leadership to Sales Manager and sales team to accelerate top line growth; develop and execute plans to expand the number of end user customers in target markets / industries; identify and develop alternate sales channels including contractors and system packagers; define and execute a China mid-tier strategy in Food & Beverage / Cold Storage market; establish vertical market sales strategies; identify and leverage sales synergies with other client business units; develop disciplined process to track project pursuits and new business opportunities.
P&L Management – Strengthen financial management function; instill disciplined sales quotation and cost control processes to ensure gross margin improvement; Balance SG&A investments needed to deliver growth versus year-over-year operating profit improvement; establish and implement programs to improve trade working capital performance (inventory, DSO’s, DPO’s).
Operational Excellence – Maintain safety culture, safety training, and safety performance; drive manufacturing & procurement process improvements to minimize project costs and optimize delivery times.
Organizational Development – Prioritize hiring plans across each function in line with P&L targets; expand sales and sales support teams to drive growth; add capabilities in project management, electrical engineering, and marketing.
Business Management – Uphold client standards and management processes; lead business reviews and board meetings; represent Business Unit in various client’s meetings; coordinate financial reporting with USA; enforce client ethics policy.

Qualifications
A minimum of 5 years relevant experience in a similar general management role. Strong leadership skills and communication skills (Mandarin and English) are required. Previous experience with project engineering businesses and/or experience in processing industries preferred. University degree in a technical field required and MBA preferred.