Rochester Executive

Our client is a leading Italian group and a global player in the development, production, and commercialization of cutting-edge technical fabrics, membranes, chemicals, and equipment engineered for a wide range of industrial applications.

Its expertise spans a broad range of markets, including healthcare, automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, food, appliances, textiles, graphics, glass, architecture, and ballistic protection. Each business unit operates with independent production processes, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to specific market needs.

Key Group Figures:

€200M+ turnover | 1,000+ employees | 10 production sites worldwide

Position – The role:

In the context of succession, the new General Manager USA (GM) will oversee and lead the operations of the U.S. subsidiary – €80M+ turnover, 150+ employees, 2 industrial plants.

Reporting directly to the GROUP CEO, the GM will be accountable for:

• Maintaining strong alignment with the parent company’s values, culture, and strategic objectives
• Driving strategic growth across the U.S. market
• Facilitating the post-acquisition integration of a U.S.-based chemical company, ensuring seamless transition, operational synergies, and cultural coherence
• Ensuring operational excellence and efficiency across two production sites

Position – Critical Priorities:

To ensure a successful tenure, the General Manager will focus on the following strategic priorities:

• Lead commercial development: Position the company focus on business development and commercial expansion, across all group business, leveraging on a resilient operations framework. Growth will encompass identifying proactively new market opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and enhancing the company’s competitive positioning in the U.S. market.
• Upskill and empower the existing team: Invest in the development of internal talent, fostering a high-performance culture. A key objective will be to identify and nurture a potential successor for the GM role, ensuring long-term leadership continuity.

Position – Specific responsibilities:

• Manage the US P&L, overseeing all aspects of the subsidiary’s operations, including production, sales, finance, HR, and logistics
• Establish and nurture the relationship with the Italian Corporate office, including the CEO and the Senior Management Team, to ensure both strategic and operational alignment, the co-design of proposals, and constant updates on execution
• Develop and execute local business strategies in line with corporate goals, with a specific focus on the development of the Filtration Business, given the specific potential in that market segment
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, suppliers, and stakeholders; monitor market trends and identify growth opportunities.
• Represent the company in front of third parties, as well as in industry events, trade shows, and local networks.
• Lead budgeting processes in the light of a reshaped strategic direction, ensuring profitability and cost control
• Lead and develop the local management team, identifying opportunities for development, promoting teamwork and internal cooperation, and coaching internal talents for future growth and succession planning
• Ensure compliance with U.S. regulations and corporate governance standards

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or related field. An MBA would be considered a plus.
• Senior profile with either 10 years in general management or alternatively senior sales/business development officer who can grow GM. In all cases, an international experience and a track from manufacturing/industrial sectors are both essential. Experience working with or for European companies would be a strong plus.
• The ideal candidate combines strong leadership skills with deep knowledge of industrial processes and cross-cultural business management
• Strong understanding of U.S. business practices and regulatory environment
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed

Key skills include:

• Strategic commercial leadership: Proven ability to drive business development and market expansion, with a hands-on approach and strong presence in the field. Experience in identifying and capturing new opportunities, particularly in a technical market niche.
• Industrial & multinational mindset: Accustomed to working within complex industrial structures and to reporting to European headquarters. Able to navigate subsidiary-corporate dynamics and foster alignment with global strategies.
• People leadership: used to build and develop high-performing teams, promoting a culture of collaboration, open dialogue, and continuous learning. Focused on empowering local management, nurturing internal talent, and preparing future leaders for succession.
• Transformation: Skilled in leading teams through transformation milestones, instilling accountability at all levels, creating compelling reasons to reach the goal, encouraging ownership while creating collaborative teamwork
• Stakeholder management & influence: Strong credibility, built on trust and evidence with both internal and external stakeholders, including HQ and global peers. Effective in managing upwards and across the organization.
• Resilience & legacy orientation: Demonstrates resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Approaches the role with a sense of legacy, aiming to leave a lasting positive footprint on the organization and its people.
• Language: Fluency in English is a must; Italian knowledge would represent a plus
• Employment Type: Full-time Executive contract, rolling 3 years, with non-compete agreement.