General Manager / CEO

Job Description

Our client is a leading and established mid-size manufacturer of technologically advanced heavy equipment for mining, construction, and general industrial applications. This international company maintains a strong presence worldwide with a fast-growing subsidiary in the USA and is supported by a network of dealers and service technicians in a number of countries.

For this client, TH Bender is actively seeking a sales-focused and strategic General Manager / CEO, who will be a hands-on partner and advisor to the international leadership and who will drive the long-term development of the company in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Most importantly, this includes leading and expanding the sales team, growing the US subsidiary including organizational structures and processes, and generally managing all aspects of the company’s business activities in the region.

This role requires an experienced industry expert in heavy equipment with an extensive sales background and substantial experience in forging business relationships with key players and decision makers within the mining and construction industries in North America. The ideal candidate is someone who exemplifies a bold persona and has a visionary approach in managing a business with transformational leadership, who is keen in challenging the status quo and think ‘outside of the box’ to meet or exceed overall business objectives.

This role is located in Cleveland, OH (flexible).

Key responsibilities:

Provide leadership and vision to the US subsidiary, working together with the international executive management.

Actively develop and execute mid- and long-term go-to-market strategies, plans, priorities and goals.

Drive sales and strategic targeting of key markets and customers and leverage existing connections within the US/Canadian mining, construction, and other industries.

Review and improve the existing sales and organizational structure; develop and refine processes and structures as needed.

Build, manage and maintain relationships with key existing and prospective customers and partners.

Serve as a change agent for business improvements, new initiatives, policies and processes.

Actively manage the U.S. subsidiary’s P&L.

Provide guidance, leadership, and motivation to the team.

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 sales, business development, and account management required. Ideally general management experience coupled with service-oriented leadership background.

Strong verifiable experience selling high capital equipment to the North American mining and construction industries.

Solid market background and familiarity with the account base is strongly desired; preferably with experience selling and/or dealing within the targeted markets, including mining companies, suppliers, contractors, dealers, rental companies, and distributors.

A proven track-record building or leveraging dealer networks is required, as is the ability to develop incentive programs targeting all stakeholders at a dealer, i.e., sales and service personnel.

An existing rolodex of industry contacts in relevant industries would be an advantage.

Demonstrated experience in transforming strategies, processes, and organizations to drive business results.

Show success in maintaining and establishing new business, negotiating contracts, and closing deals.

Direct experience working across diverse cultures would be beneficial with previous experience working for European-owned companies considered a clear advantage.