Vice President/General Manager GBC Europe

GBC Films Group Europe is part of the ACCO BRANDS Corporation, with headquarters in Chicago (US). ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world’s largest suppliers of branded office products, with annual revenues of nearly $2 billion. ACCO Brands Corporation markets products in over 100 countries across the globe through its own sales force and distribution networks. They’re proud of their long history of industry leadership and innovation, and are focused on delivering exceptional value for their shareholders and customers by providing unique, leading-edge, branded office products.
GBC is the market leader in the manufacturing and marketing of thermal and pressure-sensitive laminating films and high-level laminating equipment for the commercial, on-demand and wide-format printing markets. Industry professionals depend on GBC to provide them with a competitive advantage.
The plant in Kerkrade, the Netherlands, is the support operation within which there is extrusion coating and slitting of films. This positions area of responsibility employs approximately 90 people including manufacturing, logistics, sales, marketing, finance, HR, customer care, and technical service. At every level of manufacturing GBC constantly monitors performance, conducts audits and tests to ensure optimum results and delivery of the highest quality product. We are looking for:

Vice President/General Manager GBC Europe
Marketing/Sales Focus with solid business understanding

Position summary:
The objective of this position is to develop profitable revenue growth with the targeted markets in Europe, in line with the agreed strategies and business plans. This position has full P&L responsibility for the CLSG business in Europe including the manufacturing with warehouse distribution operations.

The key responsibilities are: 

• Oversee the attainment of overall ACCO Brands and CLSG objectives as they relate to the marketing, sales, manufacturing and distribution of films and machines. Establish strategic business plans for area of responsibility clearly defining goals and reviewing business performance against these together with your business plan correcting course as appropriate to achieve the agreed upon goals
• Develop a cohesive management team within the European business
• Coordinate all local R&D initiatives in conjunction with the U.S., as this is a global function
• Establish areas of focus for productivity improvements/cost reductions leveraging technical expertise globally as appropriate
• Build technical and relationship credibility with customers, key suppliers, contractors, trade organizations, internal customers, etc., and leverage relationships to provide competitive advantage
• Drive and encourage a culture of continuous improvement in all areas including product development, innovation, processes, systems, operations, new markets and new technologies in a structured, logical and financially quantifiable way, leveraging the global marketing, financial and operations resources accordingly
• Manage trade cycles which are made up of DSO, DSI, and DPO that support the business in the most effective manner while maximizing the use of cash in the process and in line with the agreed upon metrics
• Conduct business in an ethical and moral manner as outlined in the GBC ethics policy and in line with the recognized GBC operating procedures, together with complying with local laws and regulations within the countries in which we operate
• Provide support via coaching and mentoring to employees either directly or via the respective managers with mechanisms to help them grow and develop in line with the business needs
• Develop sales by country specific through the Regional Sales Directors that will allow sustainable and profitable revenue growth and ensure the company infrastructure is kept in line.
• Ensure Regional Sales Directors and their subordinates conduct business in a manner that will allow GBC to be the market leader in their specific regions and have sufficient controls on pricing, credit terms, and expenses but also provide enough freedom and flexibility to the salespeople to operate effectively
• Establish credit limits/credit limits per customer in coordination with the financial controller and ensure the appropriate resources within ACCO Brands are leveraged to ensure that no unreasonable commercial risks are made, seeking guidance from the VP Finance as appropriate
• In conjunction with global marketing, leverage marketing materials and product development resources to allow growth from new segments/market opportunities within the Commercial Laminating Solutions Group
• Work as an integral part of the global senior management team to contribute to the overall success of the business
• Leverage the ACCO Brands shared service model to maximize efficiency for your business while minimizing cost
• Develop a partnership with the financial controller that is built on trust and confidence and involve the controller in all aspects of the business to clearly put meaning behind the numbers and assist in driving the business together with identifying areas of potential exposure
• Ensure integrity, accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of business reporting measures
• Administer policies and practices to foster the desired relationships between employees and the company, while complying with legal and ethical obligations
• In conjunction with your HR Manager, who is to take the leading role, recruit, develop and motivate staff, ensuring they are provided the tools and the opportunity to succeed in their job to maximize their effectiveness in line with business needs
• Ensure effective communication within area of responsibility and with other functional areas
• Ensure the safe performance of all employees with clearly defined accident reduction programs
• Perform other duties as required

Required skills and experience (minimum):

• Business Management Degree
• Commensurate experience at a senior management level, MBA and plus
• Experience in a business to business company
• Ideally having had responsibilities for marketing, sales and full operations experience in a small to mid size company with pan-European responsibility
• Must be able to travel to a variety of locations and work effectively in a variety of environments including Office, Headquarters, Laboratory, Plant, and various Customer, and Supplier locations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, Dutch, German and preferably French or Italian
• Must have strong mathematical skills capable of making complex calculations and have a solid understanding of the financial analysis, P & L, balance sheets, product costing, etc.
• Must be capable of thinking through complex issues analytically, even in difficult situations
• Capable of reducing complex business situations to clear and focused action plans
• Identifies breakthrough ideas that carry the business forward
• Demonstrates an intuitive understanding of future business direction
• Seeks to address the underlying/future needs of customers
• Is energetic and tenacious in improving business results
• Takes many actions over time to reach the agreed upon goals, changing direction and tactics to overcome obstacles
• Has an ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with key figures, building long-term partnerships
• Demonstrated and proven successful management and leadership\
• Progressive management responsibility for a full operations company and P&L accountability
• Excellent interpersonal skills able to interact across all disciplines and at all levels
• Excellent Technological Awareness

Our client offers:
The Vice President/General Manager will have the appropriate authority, responsibility, and accountability in an inspiring and dynamic business. The competitive employee benefit package includes a competitive salary, performance / objectives-related bonus, company car, pension plan and health insurance.