General Manager – Industrial unit
Enfida,Tunisia
Ref: 09-191-DZ-R-01
Our Client
Is a leading innovative supplier of fiberglass reinforcement products and technologies and one of the major European fiberglass composite manufacturers with an annual turnover of several hundred million €. Originally part of a large multinational group it relies on an important capacity in terms of research and development, constantly identifying and providing innovative products and solutions to international corporations across a variety of industries such as automotive, transport, infrastructure, energy, information and communication technologies, household goods and others. Backed by one of the most dynamic global capital development funds it has been operating as an independent entity for several years and wants to grow into one of the leading global providers in reinforcement mass and niche markets.
Mission
To support its global growth strategy the company has decided to build and develop a significant industrial unit in Tunisia with the target to develop regional business activities but also to provide cost effective products to other markets of the organization. The new industrial unit will also serve as a model project for addressing new emerging economies, both in regards to customers and to supply markets.
To assist our client in building and managing the new unit we are looking to identify the right candidate for the position of General Manager capable of ensuring time and cost effective set up of the future industrial plant and solid development of relevant local and regional business.
The main results expected from the General Manager are the achievement of a significant EBITDA, of a competitive cost target for the running production of the industrial unit, and of a substantial value creation of the investment over a defined period of time.
The General Manager will work hand in hand with an international project team of the company to plan, set up and launch the operations of the new plant. He will supervise and manage all relevant activities in regards to the daily operations, continuous improvement and strategic development of the industrial unit. He is member of the Executive team of the company and reports directly to the board of directors of the industrial entity.
He will supervise and manage multiple aspects of the regional entity including (but not exclusive):
- recruit and manage all necessary staff and expertise to build and manage the unit
- facilitate interactions with financial institution to ensure operational financing
- manage all relevant stakeholders (shareholders, partners, suppliers, government…)
- prepare and present a budget plan, ensure subsequent delivery according to plan
- prepare and document all key decisions for the industrial unit with/for the board of directors
- ensure that the plant produces the right product in due time and at target cost
- develop the downstream business with local and regional partners
- actively participate in the Tunisian composite development
Requirements
We are looking for a candidate with the following competences and qualifications:
- Strong project management skills in Operations
- Track record of industrial Management in an Arabic country
- Greenfield start-up experience of large complex process manufacturing facility
- Experience in working with government agencies (for necessary approvals)
- Ability to manage local financial institutions and to deal with regional fiscal issues
- Exposure to Anglo-Saxon business environment and practices
- Communication and negotiation in Arabic country
- Ability to understand and transfer process/technical knowledge
- Track record as GM generalist in Tunisia and/or other Arabic country with full management of production, human resources, sales & finances
- Fluent English & Arabic (Dutch and French would be a plus)
- MBA or Engineering degree or equivalent education
Our client offers a very attractive compensation package, composed of a fix and a variable part and various additional benefits.