General Manager USA

Our client is a leading Italian group and a global player in the development, production, and commercialization of cutting-edge technical fabrics, membranes, chemicals, and equipment engineered for a wide range of industrial applications.

Its expertise spans a broad range of markets, including healthcare, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, food, appliances, textiles, graphics, glass, architecture, and ballistic protection . Each business unit operates with independent production processes, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to specific market needs.

Key Group Figures:

€200M+ turnover | 1,000+ employees | 10 production sites worldwide

Position – The role:

In the context of succession, the new General Manager USA (GM) will oversee and lead the operations of the U.S. subsidiary – €80M+ turnover, 150+ employees, 2 industrial plants.

Reporting directly to the GROUP CEO, the GM will be accountable for:

• Maintaining strong alignment with the parent company’s values, culture, and strategic objectives
• Driving strategic growth across the U.S. market
• Facilitating the post-acquisition integration of a U.S.-based chemical company, ensuring seamless transition, operational synergies, and cultural coherence
• Ensuring operational excellence and efficiency across two production sites

Position – Critical Priorities:

To ensure a successful tenure, the General Manager will focus on the following strategic priorities:

• Lead commercial development : Position the company focus on business development and commercial expansion, across all group business, leveraging on a resilient operations framework. Growth will encompass identifying proactively new market opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and enhancing the company’s competitive positioning in the U.S. market.
• Upskill and empower the existing team : Invest in the development of internal talent, fostering a high-performance culture. A key objective will be to identify and nurture a potential successor for the GM role, ensuring long-term leadership continuity.

Position – Specific responsibilities:

• Manage the US P&L , overseeing all aspects of the subsidiary’s operations, including production, sales, finance, HR, and logistics
• Establish and nurture the relationship with the Italian Corporate office , including the CEO and the Senior Management Team, to ensure both strategic and operational alignment, the co-design of proposals, and constant updates on execution
• Develop and execute local business strategies in line with corporate goals, with a specific focus on the development of the Filtration Business, given the specific potential in that market segment
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, suppliers, and stakeholders; monitor market trends and identify growth opportunities.
• Represent the company in front of third parties, as well as in industry events, trade shows, and local networks.
• Lead budgeting processes in the light of a reshaped strategic direction, ensuring profitability and cost control
• Lead and develop the local management team , identifying opportunities for development, promoting teamwork and internal cooperation, and coaching internal talents for future growth and succession planning
• Ensure compliance with U.S. regulations and corporate governance standards

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field. An MBA would be considered a plus.
• Senior profile with either 10 years in general management or alternatively senior sales/business development officer who can grow GM. In all cases, an international experience and a track from manufacturing/industrial sectors are both essential. Experience working with or for European companies would be a strong plus.
• The ideal candidate combines strong leadership skills with deep knowledge of industrial processes and cross-cultural business management
• Strong understanding of U.S. business practices and regulatory environment
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Key skills include:

• Strategic commercial leadership : Proven ability to drive business development and market expansion, with a hands-on approach and strong presence in the field. Experience in identifying and capturing new opportunities, particularly in a technical market niche.
• Industrial & multinational mindset : Accustomed to working within complex industrial structures and to reporting to European headquarters. Able to navigate subsidiary-corporate dynamics and foster alignment with global strategies.
• People leadership : used to build and develop high-performing teams, promoting a culture of collaboration, open dialogue, and continuous learning. Focused on empowering local management, nurturing internal talent, and preparing future leaders for succession.
• Transformation: Skilled in leading teams through transformation milestones, instilling accountability at all levels, creating compelling reasons to reach the goal, encouraging ownership while creating collaborative teamwork
• Stakeholder management & influence: Strong credibility, built on trust and evidence with both internal and external stakeholders, including HQ and global peers. Effective in managing upwards and across the organization.
• Resilience & legacy orientation: Demonstrates resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Approaches the role with a sense of legacy, aiming to leave a lasting positive footprint on the organization and its people.
• Language : Fluency in English is a must; Italian knowledge would represent a plus
• Employment Type : Full-time Executive contract, rolling 3 years, with non-compete agreement.