President 3678297

Wetalentia; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k) plan

PTO 20 days

Relocation assistance

Company car

Job summary

Wetalentia is seeking an experienced leader to succeed as head of its U.S. subsidiary in Greater Chicago. The role requires hands-on, decisive leadership with a solid industrial background and international experience. You will align U.S. strategy with European HQ goals while driving profitability and organizational strength.

The position oversees sales, engineering, support, and manufacturing of customized components, with relocation assistance and a company car as part of compensation.

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience as President, General Manager, or similar top role.
• Experience leading a small to mid-sized industrial business with people and financial responsibility.
• Strong technical/industrial background in machine tools or mechanical manufacturing.
• International business experience is required, with cross-cultural collaboration.
• Fluent English and strong communication/decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the U.S. business strategy aligned with Group goals.
• Own US performance including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cash flow, and costs.
• Lead departments; hire, develop, and manage managers and staff.
• Oversee national sales, market development, pricing, and customer commitments.
• Coordinate Engineering, Technical Support, and Manufacturing for customer projects.
• Serve as liaison with European leadership and finance on priorities.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L management

Cross-cultural leadership

English proficiency

Financial analysis

Job description

Location: Greater Chicago, IL. Relocation assistance available.

Reporting to: Group Leadership, European headquarters

Industry: Mechanical Engineering / Industrial Manufacturing

Role Summary

Our client is an established international manufacturing group that designs and produces precision mechanical products for the metalworking industry. Following the planned retirement of the current President, the company is seeking an experienced leader to succeed him at the head of its U.S. subsidiary. The U.S. organization combines sales, engineering, technical support, product customization, and manufacturing of custom components, supported by the Group's main production sites overseas. The President will restore and grow profitability, strengthen processes and accountability, and build a solid organization for the next phase of growth, in close alignment with European headquarters. The role requires a hands-on, decisive leader with proven business and people management experience and a solid technical or industrial background, ideally in machine tools or mechanical manufacturing. International experience is mandatory.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Growth

Define and execute the U.S. business strategy in alignment with Group growth and profitability objectives. Translate priorities into actionable plans, measurable goals, and resources to support expansion.

Business & Financial Management

Own U.S. business performance and profitability, partnering with the Controller on budgeting, forecasting, reporting, cash flow, and cost management. Guide investment and resource allocation through financial and operational analysis.

Organizational & People Leadership

Manage and support department managers, setting clear goals and responsibilities. Hire, train, and develop employees, address performance issues, and ensure departments work well together.

Commercial & Market Development

Provide strategic oversight of national sales activities, market development, and key customer and partner relationships. Align commercial priorities, pricing, and customer commitments with profitability and operational capabilities.

Engineering & Operational Leadership

Oversee Engineering, Technical Support, product customization, and manufacturing of customer-specific components. Improve productivity, quality, and service levels through effective coordination between Sales, Engineering, and Operations.

Global Collaboration

Serve as the primary liaison with Group leadership and Finance. Coordinate with European manufacturing and technical teams on business priorities, product requirements, and customer needs.

Candidate Profile

Proven senior leadership experience as President, General Manager, Managing Director, Business Unit Leader, or in a comparable role with broad business responsibility. Experience leading a small to mid-sized industrial business or business unit, including people management, financial performance, and organizational development. Strong technical and industrial background in machine tools, mechanical manufacturing, automation, aerospace, automotive, cutting tools, industrial equipment, or related engineered products. Experience in machine tool, machine tool accessories and work holding is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to grow a business, develop managers, and deliver sustainable improvements. Solid understanding of P&L, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, margins, and cost control. International business experience is required, including collaboration with overseas headquarters and cross-cultural teams. Strategic yet hands-on leadership style, with strong communication skills, fluent English, and constructive decision-making. A record of sustained contribution and professional continuity. A Sales background is valuable but not required: Engineering, Operations, and General Management backgrounds are equally relevant when supported by broad business leadership experience.

Additional Requirements

Based on-site in Greater Chicago. If not, RELOCATION ASSISTANCE is offered. Frequent domestic and international travel. U.S. work authorization is mandatory.

Compensation

ABS plus performance-based variable compensation tied to defined objectives. THE AMOUNT YOU SEE POSTED IS ADDRESSING TO TOTAL COMPENSATION. Company car and business tools. Relocation assistance available.

Benefits

• Medical insurance with 80% employer-paid premiums, plus an employer-funded HRA.
• Dental and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with a fully vested 3% employer contribution; eligibility after one year, subject to plan enrollment dates.
• 20 days of PTO annually to start, prorated for new hires and increasing with tenure, plus 12 paid holidays.
• Company-paid life, AD&D, and short- and long-term disability coverage.
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• xhyhwjd Optional supplemental insurance coverage.