Chief Executive Officer (Hydraulic Accessories)

Our client is an established and fast-growing global manufacturer of hydraulic accessories serving various industries in which hydraulic equipment is used (construction, agriculture, manufacturing, industrial, etc.). The Company offers an extensive product portfolio including ready-to-install standard products and custom applications for end users, as well as a strong OEM business. Our client maintains an extensive global presence with over 40 subsidiaries across five continents and more than 5,000 employees.  

TH Bender has been retained to search for a sales-focused, hands-on, proactive CEO to lead the US subsidiary, directing all aspects of the company’s activities in the USA, including sales, business development, and key account management, as well as corporate development and operations. 

The location of this role is in the Houston, TX-area.   

Key Responsibilities:  

• Provide leadership and vision to the US organization and participate in the development and execution of mid- and long-term plans.  
• Review the existing sales and organizational structure; develop and refine processes and structures to increase the company’s market share, sales revenue, and profitability. 
• Drive sales and strategic targeting of key markets and clients and leverage existing connections in the industry for business growth opportunities.  
• Actively engage in the acquisition of new key customers while maintaining relationships with existing clients and partners. 
• Initiate, lead, and manage the implementation of action plans to grow existing markets and penetrate new markets. 
• Effectively manage the U.S. subsidiary’s P&L and provide guidance and leadership to the US team. 
• Promote effective communication on all levels of the organization and regularly evaluate processes to drive improvement initiatives. 
• Maintain a positive team-based environment to achieve optimum results. Ensure efficiency, quality, service, and cost-effective management of resources. 
• Interface regularly with the global headquarters and its international channels and cooperate closely with the colleagues of the global sales management team.  
• Represent the organization in important external business relationships with major clients, joint venture partners, and the public. 
• Support and participate in local and global trade fairs, conferences, etc.  
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Key Qualifications:  

• Several years of leadership experience in sales management, business development and/or key account management coupled with a general management capacity.  
• An extensive background or experience in the hydraulics industry (or related) is required, ideally with suppliers of hydraulic accessories. 
• Strong knowledge of the targeted markets and applications and an existing network of industry contacts in relevant industries would be desirable. 
• Excellent sales-related skills set, including knowledge of sales process, ability to develop and execute effective sales strategies 
• Proven track record managing a branch, business unit, group or company with P&L responsibility, ideally within a medium-sized organization. 
• Show success in maintaining and establishing new business, negotiating contracts, and closing deals.  
• Direct experience working across diverse business cultures with previous experience working for foreign-owned companies is considered a clear advantage.