THE CLIENT
Our client is a European B2B technical solutions provider and a global market leader in their product category, specializing in the construction and building industry, with multiple production sites and subsidiaries worldwide. The company is a market leader in its field in China, operating through multiple entities including manufacturing, commercial, and regional offices.
THE ROLE
The General Manager, Sales & Marketing, China will take full responsibility for the Sales & Marketing organization in China. S/he will oversee around 70 employees, reporting directly to the Managing Director, Asia Pacific.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Continuously develop and implement the business plan and local strategies aligned with the overall company's vision
- Propose and reach agreed sales and profit targets
- Increase the sales of all products to existing and new clients to achieve a dominant position
Commercial Leadership
- Manage the sales & marketing organization to increase the market share with a profitable product and service offering in due consideration of the agreed budget.
- Acquire new customers while maintaining strong relationships with existing ones.
- Strengthen and increase the project sales business through the clear implementation of the sales strategy.
- Further expand the geographical coverage of channel sales business in China.
- Plan, review, and ensure achievement of revenue and EBIT targets, overseeing monthly sales reporting.
- Develop and manage the sales and marketing team to enhance efficiency, optimize profitability, and uphold company values.
- Ensure all business activities, product offerings, and financial reporting adhere to local laws, regulations, and company policies.
People Leadership & Cross-functional Collaboration
- Lead and develop the team in line with company philosophy, ensuring employee qualification, growth, and compliance.
- Collaborate with HR and the General Manager, Asia Pacific to drive talent management, retention, and development initiatives.
- Act as the company's key representative to local authorities, institutions, suppliers, and partners.
- Promote the company at public events, conferences, and industry fairs to strengthen its market presence.
- Maintain and build strong relationships with high-level clients and key external stakeholders.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate should possess extensive sales and commercial leadership experience within the construction/building industry, with a strong track record of driving business growth and expanding market presence in China. This person must be adept at developing and executing strategic business plans, increasing market share through project and channel sales, and achieving revenue and profitability targets. Strong leadership in managing sales and marketing teams, acquiring new clients, and strengthening existing relationships is essential.
- Successfully completed studies focused on engineering or business administration aspects. An additional commercial qualification (e.g., MBA) would be a plus.
- At least 8 years of leadership experience with profound expertise in the China market within the construction/building industry.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful strategies for increasing market share in the China market.
- Solid project-selling experience in the construction industry, with a strong ability to manage complex sales cycles.
- Strong strategic business leadership skills, with the ability to balance long-term vision with tactical execution.
- High level of integrity and professionalism in decision-making and leadership.
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence at all levels, a leadership and communication style that suits the local setting in China.
- The personality fits the corporate culture and the local and global management team: pragmatism/flexibility, disciplined, structured, committed, assertiveness, logical reasoning, analytical, balanced, calm, and stress resistant.
- Strong affinity to both the Chinese as well as international culture and management style.
- Fluency in written and verbal English and Chinese is a must.