About the Company

Our client is a global leading designer, marketer, and manufacturer of auto parts and accessories 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 will be a real car enthusiast connected to car culture. 

About the Role

The Director will lead all business operations and overall strategy essentialyl as a GM 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

The Director will be key to defining and driving: Strategic Leadership, Marketing & Brand Management, Product Strategy, Operations, and Financial Management for the Business Unit. 

• 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.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling campaigns, promotions, and events.
• Ensure consistent brand messaging and positioning in the market.
• 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.
• 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.
• Develop and manage budgets for sales, marketing, and operations.
• Analyze financial reports and key performance indicators to make informed business decisions.

Requirements

• 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.

• ** Must be a true “car person.” A real car enthusiast close to the culture, close to the customer base and able to speak the language direct to consumers.