Managing Director (Ingredients)

QLM Search; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

QLM Search is supporting the Board of a vertically integrated International Food & Beverage Ingredients group with the appointment of a Divisional Managing Director (Commercial VP). A US-based Divisional MD will define and execute the division's strategy, accelerate growth, develop the leadership team and build the structure to realise its potential.

The successful candidate will demonstrate leadership of complex, international manufacturing businesses with full P&L accountability, credibility

Qualifications

• Leadership of complex, international manufacturing businesses with full P&L accountability.
• Strong commercial and operational leadership within ingredients and related markets.
• Track record of accelerating growth and building divisions or platforms.
• Experience in innovation-led, customer-partnered environments.
• Credibility with major international food, beverage and flavour-house customers.
• Hands-on, people-centred leadership style with high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the strategy for the division.
• Accelerate commercial and operational growth within the division.
• Develop the leadership team and build the structure and capabilities required to realise its potential.
• Maintain autonomy while operating within an international Group and reporting to the US CEO, Group CEO and Board.

Skills

P&L accountability

International leadership

Commercial leadership

People leadership

Entrepreneurial mindset

Job description

QLM Search is supporting the Board of a vertically integrated International Food & Beverage Ingredients group with the appointment of a Divisional Managing Director (Commercial VP). Natural / Plant Based Ingredients is already a significant and successful part of the Group, with substantial revenues, specialist manufacturing and technical capabilities, and an established international customer base. With significant opportunity for further growth, the Group is now appointing a US based Divisional Managing Director.

With full P&L accountability, the Divisional MD will define and execute the strategy for the division, accelerate commercial and operational growth, develop the leadership team and build the structure and capabilities required to realise its potential. The successful candidate will have the autonomy and entrepreneurial mindset to shape the division, while operating effectively within a larger international Group and developing a transparent and trusted relationship with the US CEO, Group CEO and Board.

We are looking for a proven Managing Director/BU Leader with experience across natural ingredients, plant-based ingredients, flavours, extracts, food & beverage ingredients or closely related sectors.

Critical experience includes:

• Leadership of complex, international manufacturing businesses with full P&L accountability
• Strong commercial and operational leadership within ingredients or adjacent food & beverage markets (only candidates with deep rooted B2B Ingredients will be considered)
• A track record of accelerating growth and building businesses, divisions or platforms
• Experience within innovation-led, customer-partnered environments
• Credibility with major international food, beverage and flavour-house customers
• The ability to combine entrepreneurial pace with strong governance and commercial discipline
• A hands-on, people-centred leadership style with a track record of building high-performing teams