Managing Director

Our client, a leader in the automotive industry, is looking for an experienced and dynamic Managing Director to oversee the entire factory operations. This role is crucial to the company's ongoing success, as it involves managing all aspects of the factory’s operations, ensuring smooth production processes, and driving commercial success. The successful candidate will report directly to the CEO and work closely with senior leadership to enhance efficiency, profitability, and customer relationships.

• Factory Management: Oversee all factory operations, ensuring the efficient and effective running of both production and non-production departments. The role requires hands-on management, including overseeing supply chain, quality control, human resources and maintenance departments.
• Commercial Oversight: Lead the commercial aspects of the factory, maintaining and expanding relationships with customers and potential customers. Ensure that the company meets and exceeds client expectations while promoting business growth and profitability.
• Leadership: Act as the second-in-command in the factory, directly reporting to the CEO. Provide leadership and guidance to senior managers across all departments, ensuring alignment with company goals and performance metrics.
• Process Optimization: Continuously evaluate and optimize factory processes to enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and improve quality and safety standards.
• Strategic Planning: Participate in strategic decision-making to align factory operations with long-term business goals and market demands. Identify growth opportunities and oversee the implementation of new projects and initiatives.
• Team Development: Strong a culture of teamwork and accountability within the factory by promoting employee development and training programs. Ensure that all departments are adequately staffed with highly skilled personnel.

• Education: A degree in Engineering or a related field is required. An MBA or equivalent advanced degree is highly preferred.
• Automotive Industry Experience: At least 15 years of experience in a managerial role within the automotive manufacturing industry, preferably with a well-established car manufacturer.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead a large, diverse team and manage multiple departments, with a strong track record of driving performance, achieving operational excellence, and leading teams towards success.
• Comprehensive Knowledge: In-depth understanding of factory operations, including both production and non-production departments such as logistics, quality control, maintenance, human resources, and finance.
• Commercial Acumen: Demonstrated experience managing customer relations and driving commercial success, including contract negotiations, pricing strategies, and customer satisfaction management.
• Strategic Vision: Strong strategic thinking ability to develop and implement long-term plans that ensure the growth and efficiency of factory operations while aligning with the company’s overall business goals.
• Reporting & Accountability: Experience in reporting to C-suite executives and providing regular updates on operational performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Additional Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills. Ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment and work strategically while maintaining excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Proven ability to foster strong relationships within the automotive industry.
• Fluency in English: Must be fluent in both written and spoken English to effectively communicate with international clients, vendors, and internal teams.