About the Company

Our client is a global leading designer, marketer, and manufacturer of auto parts and performance products for the automotive aftermarket. The business is fast growing and currently seeking a Business Leader with at least 7-10 years’ experience running a stand-alone business, or managing a business unit or division of a larger company, and having responsibility for a significant P&L in a manufacturing environment to lead an important segment of business.

In addition to his/her/their successful track record in business management, the ideal candidate must be an automotive enthusiast with a passion for some aspect of cars, trucks, racing, high-performance, etc. and a strong connection to the “culture.”

About the Role

The Director will lead all business operations and overall strategy for one segment of the Company, which comprises many different brands. The Director will be responsible for overseeing the entire sales, manufacturing, marketing, and product development functions across all products and brands within the Business Unit. The Director will report to an SVP and will lead a team of direct reports.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and communicate a clear product vision and strategy that aligns with the company’s overall goals and market trends.
• Define, prioritize, and execute business initiatives based on business impact by working closely with business unit and product team members.
• Implement New Product Introduction (NPI), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), and other business processes based on a data-driven approach.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure the product roadmap supports the company’s long-term vision and growth plans.

Marketing and Brand Management:

• Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling campaigns, promotions, and events.
• Ensure consistent brand messaging and positioning in the market.

Product Strategy:

• Oversee the product lifecycle, from conceptualization to launch, ensuring alignment with market demands.
• Collaborate with the product development team to introduce innovative and competitive products.
• Monitor and analyze product performance, making data-driven decisions for improvement.

Operational Leadership:

• Act as the site leader for the facility and manage day-to-day operations, optimizing efficiency and productivity.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, ensuring employee engagement and satisfaction.

Financial Management:

• Develop and manage budgets for sales, marketing, and operations.
• Analyze financial reports and key performance indicators to make informed business decisions.
• Implement cost-effective measures to maximize profitability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration or other relevant field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in running a business and/or business unit of equivalent or similar size ($20-30M USD), with a proven track record of delivering successful products to market.
• 10+ years of experience in a leadership or management role, demonstrating the ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans.
• Detailed understanding of cost accounting, finance, P&L, overhead, the effect of cost of goods sold, etc. and a proven ability to make data-driven decisions and leverage analytics to drive business improvements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience with phase gate process and product management tools is preferred.

Personal Characteristics

• Must be a “car person.” A real car enthusiast close to the culture, close to the customer base and able to speak the language direct to consumers.
• Strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial drive, ready to take full ownership of all financial objectives, and is personally committed to making sure that all such objectives are reached on time and with the appropriate level of diligence and accuracy.
• A secure, well-grounded individual who possesses integrity and honesty and strives for excellence in all endeavors.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• A dynamic management style. A hands-on manager with demeanor, business maturity, intellect, and the experience required to establish immediate credibility and earn the respect of employees while leading by example.