CEO Central Europe

The organisation

Our client is a leader in the frozen food industry and is active in more than 80 countries worldwide through its 22 plants and 33 sales offices divided over 4 Business Units.

The position

Because the need for further growth and development as well as professionalization and optimization of the organization, the position of CEO for one of the Business Units has been published.

The objective is to devise and implement the business plan aimed at growth in sales volume, turnover, contribution, and profit in the European market. The CEO reports to the CEO of the Group

Tasks & responsibilities

• Responsible for all aspects of the Business Unit P&L spanning the European-based operations, production plants and sales offices.
• Direct all activities of the organization by performing duties personally or through subordinate supervisors or employees.
• Responsible for the overall performance, direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Business Unit.
• Responsible for the correctness, reliability, and forecast of the Business Unit’s operating and business development plans.

Duties

• Liaise with Parent Company and other Operating Companies as required.
• Ensure Business Unit plans align with Corporate strategic directives.
• Establish, or recommends to Parent Company, major Business Unit objectives and strategic plans
• Prepare and/or evaluate reports, which summarize and forecast business activities including financial position in the areas of income, expenses, and earnings based on past, present, and expected operations.
• Direct preparation of budgets and quarterly forecasts.
• Evaluate Sales plans and objectives.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes, plans, and objectives.
• Evaluate development projects to ensure market needs are being met.
• Responsible for overall leadership of the Business Unit.
• Provide Parent Company an understanding of the Business Unit’s needs.
• Analyze financial information to ensure business meets yearly stated objectives.
• Analyze financial information detailing assets, liabilities, and capital.
• Constantly look for and implement practices to improve the business’s financial growth and profitability and/or operational performance
• Review contracts and orders to ensure business assets are protected.
• Guard company’s Mission, Values, and Principles.
• Responsible for all hiring decisions within the Business Unit
• Motivate Employees and is responsible for all employee development
• Establish relationship with customers, representatives, associates and industry peers to develop strategic partnerships and further business interests
• Participate in tradeshows, trade missions and industry associations
• Other Duties may be assigned

General responsibilities

• The CEO will work according to applicable policies.
• The CEO will have a clear understanding of corporate policies and ensure the Business Unit follows these policies as appropriate.
• The CEO will stay up to date with the applicable quality system and will see to it that every activity they develop or align with this quality system.
• The CEO will contribute in a positive manner to the activities of the Business Unit by suggesting improvements to processes and/or procedures.
• The CEO will always follow the instructions regarding their safety and that of others.

Candidate profile

Education

• HBO+/University level in Business Administration (MBA preferred) or equivalent experience.

Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in a CEO position or similar
• Good understanding of commercial processes, including marketing and sales management.
• Good understanding of manufacturing processes and inventory management.
• Knowledge of organizational structures.
• Knowledge of financial statements and systems.
• Demonstrated ability to drive growth and profitability.
• Excellent knowledge of the English language (written and verbal).
• Pro-active.
• Must be able to present them self well to customers and gain the customer’s confidence.
• Must be familiar with customs, cultures, and business practices throughout Europe
• Ability to resolve conflicts between employees and organizations.
• Leadership skills including:
  • Charting Business Unit’s Course
  • Energize and Inspire employees
  • Demonstrate High Level of Ethics and Integrity
  • Deliver Results
  • Raise the bar for staff
  • Innovating Resourcefully
  • Accountable for results
  • Lead by example
  • Strong communication with employee base and other stakeholders
  • Pragmatic and hands on
  • Empathatic

Skills & personality

General

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, common scientific and technical journals and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to write reports or presentations in prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, employee groups, and/or board of directors.

Mathematical

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, ratios to both practical and abstract situations. Ability to apply concepts of advanced algebra. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference.

Reasoning

• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Others

• Ability to operate general office equipment such as calculator, copy machine, personal computer, ERP systems, typewriter, and fax machine. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel.

The offer

• Excellent package: € 350.000, - OTE
• Company car, phone laptop
• Excellent other terms of employment

The office is in the Netherlands. You will also frequently visit the other offices within Europe.

Interested?

You can apply to this position by using the form below. For more information please contact Wilko Grievink,  tel: +31 (0)6-5536 2253.