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 German client is an established and innovative provider of lighting control and smart building automation solutions. Known for high-quality products and advanced technologies, including motion and occupancy sensors and control systems, the company supports customers across commercial, industrial and residential sectors.

To strengthen its market presence across Australia and New Zealand, the company is seeking to appoint a Sales Representative (m/f/d) ANZ to drive strategic growth, expand key customer relationships and accelerate market penetration. The Sales Representative (m/f/d) will play an important role in identifying new business opportunities, developing long-term partnerships and positioning the company as a leading provider of smart lighting control and automation solutions. This role requires a commercially driven, consultative professional with strong technical understanding and the ability to influence key stakeholders across the construction and building technology ecosystem.

With a good understanding of DALI and KNX technologies, the Sales Representative (m/f/d) will contribute significantly to the company’s long-term growth strategy and increasing market share across Australia.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Identify, pursue and secure new business opportunities across commercial, industrial and residential sectors
• Develop and execute strategic business development initiatives to expand the company’s footprint in the ANZ market
• Engage with clients, consultants, lighting designers and contractors to understand project requirements and propose tailored lighting control solutions
• Deliver compelling technical presentations and product demonstrations highlighting the features and benefits of DALI, KNX and related systems
• Prepare quotations, proposals and tender submissions while ensuring timely follow-up and conversion into projects
• Collaborate closely with engineering, project management and support teams to ensure seamless project delivery and customer satisfaction
• Monitor industry trends, standards and competitor activities to maintain strong market positioning
• Represent the company at trade shows, industry events, training sessions and networking forums
• Maintain accurate pipeline management, forecasting, CRM records and reporting aligned with corporate requirements
• Build and nurture long-term relationships with key stakeholders and strategic accounts across the ANZ region

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

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.