CEO

The organisation

Our client is a fast growing start-up with unique proven patented technology active in a major growth industry. Company produces premium carbon composites products and is currently in transition from start-up to growth phase. Already delivering to a tier 1 brand customer, with new business opportunities in the pipeline.

The position

The CEO is responsible for the vision and formulation of the mid and long term strategy and after approval of the Board, the implementation of that strategy. Through strong leadership, you will ensure that the employees are highly motivated in the execution of that strategy.

You will build an optimal relationship with material and equipment suppliers and establish an equipment policy and a technical competency to implement that policy and subsequently improve the equipment base. You are also expected to build a logistics and service organisation to ensure reliable, competitive and responsive supply performance towards customers.

Key in the forthcoming phase will be to establish a strong and defendable market position with key customers in the Sport & Leisure market, you will establish commercial targets and supply chain, pricing policy etc. and achieve the revenue and profit objectives as agreed with the Board.

The anticipated organisational growth, the growing customer base and the anticipated need of customers for a reliable, stable and high quality supply require that the company establishes organisational processes that ensure continuous improvement in all aspects of the business. Required are staffing and training of staff as well as regular review of individual as well as team performances and subsequent corrective steps to maintain improvement momentum.

The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for business development and general management.

Tasks & responsibilities

• Expanding the business through new product market combinations within the Sport & Leisure market.
• P&L responsible for the organisation and overall management of the organisation
• Develop and manage relations with strategic clients and partners
• Build and grow the business while ensuring value creation and profitability
• Translate the technological know-how of the organisation into commercial applications in the market; Identify key applications and position the organisation accordingly
• Expand the technical and manufacturing capabilities of the organisation to execute technical process improvements and cost reductions to enable manufacturing at scale and support the commercial growth plans
• Build the organisation, improve organisational process and manage the required capabilities (e.g. personnel, processes, etc)
• Manage all stakeholder relations

Candidate profile

For the position of CEO, we are searching for an experienced CEO and business leader with preferably experience in industrial business-to-business environment. Operational and commercial track record are a must. The candidate will have a proven track record in building successful businesses. Strong drive, proven leadership and results oriented. Proven ambitious entrepreneur, with start-up company experience.

• Experience with carbon composites.
• Relevant (technical / engineering) MSc. degree, followed by an MBA is preferred 
• A demonstrated track record as CEO of an early stage industrial company and ideally large-company experience. An exceptional operational and commercial executive with general management experience and the potential to make the jump into a CEO position may also be considered
• Strategic commercial profile; Track record in successfully developing relations with strategic clients and partners
• preferably start-up and/or private equity experience
• Ability to implement systems and processes to bring structure to the organisation
• Strong leadership; Track record in motivating and developing good people
• Excellent communication skills from shop-floor to CxO to Board
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills
• Excellent financial literacy
• Highly motivated, objective driven and pragmatic; Ability to thrive under pressure and changing circumstances
• Willingly to travel

Management

• Strong leadership, track record in recruiting and developing good people
• Ability to interact with Board on all business aspects
• Lead board level sales activity with major customers
• Strategic and conceptual thinking skills, capable to formulate the business strategy (proposal) and manage details of implementation
• Take control and assume total accountability for the performance of the company
• Experience in working with Board in reporting and interaction with Board members

Business acumen, intellect, communication

• Experience in doing business internationally
• Creativity, entrepreneurial flair and customer orientation
• Team leader, effective in communication across all levels in the organisation
• Good negotiation and presentation skills
• Strong networking and interpersonal skills

Motivation, persistence and fit

• Open, honest and trustworthy
• Highly motivated, objective driven and pragmatic. Ability to thrive under pressure and changing circumstances
• Fully in tune with Board’ expectation
• International outlook and culture sensitive

Interested?

You are requested to apply to this position by following the link below. For more information, please contact Barry Scheers a +31 (0)6 25 08 84 80.