Departer - The German Headhunter Engagement Hub

Vice President Operations (m/f/d) - North America

Chicago, USA

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

36320

Published date:

20-04-2026

Summary

ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE

Departer is an international executive search firm with more than 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized companies and private equity portfolio businesses worldwide.

Our client is a globally active, European-headquartered engineering company specializing in advanced manufacturing and industrial automation solutions for the aerospace sector and adjacent high-precision industrial applications.

As Vice President of Operations (m/f/d), North America, you will serve as the senior operational leader of the company’s U.S. business, reporting directly to the North American CEO. You will drive operational excellence across supply chain management, project management, assembly and production, quality, and safety, while ensuring the seamless execution of complex customer projects.

This role requires a hands-on leader with strong expertise in automation, machine assembly, and OEM environments. You will play a key role in optimizing supply chain performance, reducing bottlenecks, strengthening supplier networks, and translating strategic priorities into measurable operational results. In close partnership with the CEO, you will help shape a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and reliable execution across a strategically important market.

YOUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

Leading day-to-day operations across supply chain, assembly/production, project management, quality, and safety
Ensuring complex customer projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards
Driving procurement strategy, supplier development, and vendor qualification to improve supply chain performance and reduce lead times
Translating strategic priorities into measurable operational plans and scalable processes
Partnering closely with sales and business development to align operational capabilities with customer requirements
Driving KPI-based performance, cost optimization, and margin improvement
Building, mentoring, and developing a high-performing operations team
Fostering a hands-on culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Ensuring compliance with U.S. regulatory requirements and proactively mitigating operational risks

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related technical discipline; Master’s degree or MBA preferred
Extensive leadership experience in aerospace, automation, capital equipment, or advanced manufacturing
Proven success in leading operations within complex, project-driven, highly customized industrial environments
Strong expertise in supply chain management, procurement, supplier development, and operational performance management
Demonstrated experience with KPIs, budgets, and cross-functional leadership
Hands-on leadership style with strong execution skills and the ability to work effectively from shop floor to executive level
Experience collaborating with or working within European engineering or manufacturing environments is a strong advantage
Entrepreneurial mindset, strong people leadership skills, and a passion for advanced industrial systems
Willingness to travel approximately 20 to 25 percent domestically and internationally
Excellent written and spoken English

This company provides equitable and nondiscriminatory employment opportunities to all individuals, irrespective of their race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We conduct recruitment, evaluation, and assignment processes solely based on applicants’ qualifications for the specific job role.

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Regional Sales Manager (m/f/d) Extrusion Technology, GCC

Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

36119

Published date:

14-04-2026

Summary

ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE

Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.

Our client is a well-established international engineering company with a strong reputation for innovation and quality across multiple industrial sectors. With a global workforce and a collaborative culture, the organization focuses on delivering advanced technical solutions to its customers. They are currently seeking a Regional Sales Manager to drive growth and expand their presence across the GCC market. This role offers a high level of autonomy, strategic responsibility, and direct impact on business development. It is an excellent opportunity for a technically skilled sales professional to join a forward-thinking and dynamic environment.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

Drive sales and marketing activities for technical products within the GCC region
Develop and execute regional sales strategies to achieve targets
Manage the full sales cycle from lead generation to closing deals
Prepare and coordinate technical and commercial proposals with internal teams
Build and maintain strong relationships with existing customers
Identify and acquire new clients and business opportunities
Analyze market trends, competitor activity, and customer demands
Monitor sales performance and market penetration metrics
Collaborate closely with engineering and technical departments
Identify customer needs and propose tailored technical solutions
Conduct regular client visits and presentations
Represent the company at industry events and exhibitions
Maintain accurate sales forecasts and reporting
Support contract negotiations and closing processes
Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and retention

To be successful in this role, you should have the following skills and experiences:

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Process Engineering, or related field
Proven experience in technical sales within industrial sectors
Background in extrusion technology or plant/process engineering is highly preferred
Strong understanding of engineering solutions and industrial applications
Demonstrated success in achieving sales targets and business growth
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Strong negotiation and presentation abilities
Ability to work cross-functionally with technical teams
Strategic thinking with a proactive and results-driven mindset
Experience managing key accounts and developing new business
Strong analytical skills and market awareness
Fluency in English and the local regional language, German language skills are considered an advantage
Willingness and flexibility to travel frequently across the region
High level of professionalism, autonomy, and customer orientation

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Managing Director (m/f/d) France

Montboucher-sur-Jabron, France

Permanent

Full-time

Job ID:

36086

Published date:

08-04-2026

Summary

ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE

Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.

With over 15 years of experience in France, our client has become a key player in the biogas, wastewater, agriculture and several industrial sectors. As a leading German family-owned manufacturer known for its high-quality engineering and customer-centric approach, the company delivers innovative solutions such as pumps, spreading technology, macerators, and separators that drive efficiency across various industries. The company’s commitment to excellence and tailored service has earned it a strong reputation in the market. Joining this organization means being part of a global success story, driving innovation and growth in essential industrial markets.

As the Managing Director (m/f/d), you will spearhead the growth of the company in France and ensure alignment with the strategic goals set by the German headquarters. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire operation, with a focus on sales, service, and market development whilst closely collaborating with the relevant departments in the German headquarters.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

Identify and develop new international sourcing opportunities for raw materials
Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan to expand the company's footprint across the French market
Identify new business opportunities and build relationships with clients and partners in key sectors such as biogas, wastewater, agriculture, and industrial machinery
Act as the Head of Sales, leading the sales team and personally managing high-profile accounts to drive revenue growth
Lead and mentor a team of 28 professionals across sales, service, marketing, and operations, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work culture
Oversee local operations, including sales, service, repair, local HR, marketing, and inside sales, ensuring all functions work seamlessly with the broader global organization
Manage financial performance, including budgeting, reporting, and ensuring profitability in alignment with corporate objectives
Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, partners, and government bodies
Represent the company at industry events and conferences, enhancing its visibility and credibility in the market
Organize training for staff to ensure continuous improvement in product knowledge and process efficiency
Shape and drive the company’s long-term vision and business strategies, ensuring alignment with global objectives while adapting to local market needs
Inspire innovation and transformation by proactively identifying market shifts and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and agility
Establish and maintain a high-level network of key decision-makers and influencers in the industry to strengthen the company’s competitive position and enhance strategic partnerships
Collaborate closely with the internal departments Industrial and Wastewater, Agriculture, and Transportation, while coordinating with the Managing Director in Germany and the financial team at headquarters

To be successful in this role, you should have the following skills and experiences:

A degree in Mechanical, Process, Electrical or Chemical Engineering, with a strong understanding of industrial machinery (technically oriented professionals from other occupational groups are also welcome)
At least 7 years of experience in industrial machinery sales, with a track record of driving revenue growth
Experience managing teams of 15+ people across sales, service, and marketing is essential
Experience with pumps or related equipment is advantageous but not required
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement sales, service, and marketing strategies while leading cross-functional teams
Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to shape and implement long-term business strategies while ensuring operational excellence
Proven ability to adapt and lead in dynamic, fast-moving environments, with a focus on innovation and market responsiveness
Excellent stakeholder management skills, with a track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with industry leaders, government bodies, and key decision-makers
Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce preferred)
Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is required

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YOUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

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YOUR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THIS ROLE, YOU SHOULD HAVE THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:

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