Job Description

About Departer – The German Headhunter:
As an internationally oriented German HR consultancy for the recruitment of multinational professionals, Departer possesses a long-standing expertise in the core markets of Germany, Australia, Greater China and the Middle East. Through our regionally established offices in Brisbane, Dubai, and Hamburg, we are valued as a reliable recruitment partner by numerous companies.

Our client is a traditional German 3rd generation family business with over 1500 employees and 20 subsidiaries worldwide. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of industrial automation components and systems across various industries. The company has sophisticated growth plans for Australia in place and we are looking for an Interim Managing Director who can develop and further optimize these plans professionally. Sustainable management as well as outstanding innovations are of central importance for the company.

As Interim Managing Director, you will be leading our client's entity in Melbourne whilst maintaining and ensuring ongoing development throughout Australia. Besides leading a team of around 30 colleagues from various departments, you will specifically contribute to grow market share by further strengthen the local business development activities. At the same time, you are responsible to oversee the local assembly line to ensure the permanent availability of products to be delivered to nationwide clients on time. 

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Responsible for the overall management of the Australian entity
• Strategic planning and execution to enhance profitability, productivity and efficiency throughout the company’s operations
• Partner with business owners and leadership team members in executing initiatives and projects to achieve strategic business goals
• Maintain P&L responsibilities including financial planning, forecasting and budgeting
• Plan and direct sales force activities to maximize potential sales volume and profit
• Customer relationship management for key account customers
• Maintain a safe and efficient working environment where excellence, high quality and continuous improvement of systems and business processes are pursued
• Work on embedded systems for growth culture to make the organization more effective and dynamic
• Recruitment, development and mentoring of employees
• Build and manage a cohesive, responsive, high-performing team that can effectively execute plans, manage project cycles and can contribute to the growth at multiple fronts simultaneously
• Ability to represent the business at a high standard professionally and to reflect the company’s values and culture at all levels of business and the community
• Regular reporting to the HQ in Germany

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

• Technical university degree (Bachelor or Master)
• Working experience in the field of manufacturing and supplying high-quality products within the industrial automation business
• At least 10 years of sales and management experience in the Australian market
• Experience in Finance/Controlling on a management level
• Leadership and influencing skills: the ability to motivate, inspire, energize people and build strong, cohesive teams
• Ability to understand the intricacies of the company's technology
• Experience in business planning and strategies as well as market and competitor analysis
• Demonstrated ability for strategic thinking, planning and execution, displaying drive, energy and enthusiasm
• Proactive, creative, innovative and lateral thinking; sharing ideas and wisdom
• High customer orientation and excellent knowledge of the local market and business environment
• Excellent at communication, listening and interpersonal skills to build customer relationships
• Decision maker, with a hands-on attitude and high intercultural sensitivity
• Attention to detail as well as having the ability to solve problems using analytical methods & problem-solving skills
• Curious and honest personality as well as a dynamic team player mentality
• Strong work ethic -  trustworthy, open and reliable, smart and energetic
• Willingness to commit to a long-term cooperation in a family-owned business