Our client is a century-old international manufacturer renowned for excellence in fittings and valves serving the Plumbing, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (PHAR) industries. Operating production sites throughout Europe and maintaining a worldwide distribution presence across several continents.
This pivotal appointment represents a CEO-in-waiting opportunity. The appointed individual will collaborate directly with the Group CEO, beginning with oversight of products, production operations, and supply chain performance, before progressively taking on commercial, sales, and marketing responsibilities leading to full Group stewardship. This position provides a defined route to the Group CEO role, contingent upon performance and Board endorsement.
Significant international travel is required, alongside physical presence at the UK head office (located in Kingswinford, West Midlands) when not on the road.
Role Overview Strategic Development
- Monitor industry trends, legislative changes, and client needs across international territories
- Champion and support new product launches, portfolio expansions, and market-tailored offerings
- Discover and implement initiatives to boost revenue, enhance profitability, and lower fixed costs
- Drive the advancement of commercial and marketing approaches to stimulate growth and margin improvement
Operational Excellence
- Develop comprehensive technical and commercial mastery of the product range and complete supply chain operations
- Enhance and streamline manufacturing performance across international production facilities in Poland, Spain, and Germany
- Champion cost management, on-time delivery, and operational productivity throughout the production network
- Cultivate and sustain robust partnerships with critical suppliers while safeguarding the Group's commercial position
CEO Transition Preparation
- Operate in tight collaboration with the Group CEO to enable smooth leadership succession
- Progressively take ownership of Business Unit Directors and expanded commercial functions
- Exhibit growing competence to function at Group CEO standard during the assignment
Leadership & Governance
- Deliver transparent guidance, ownership, and inspiration to international leadership teams
- Establish robust internal trust across technical, operational, and business functions
- Execute systematic weekly check-ins with direct reports and provide succinct monthly updates to the CEO and shareholders
- Develop lasting partnerships with principal customers, suppliers, and stakeholders through consistent interaction
- Represent the organization publicly with competence, credibility, and sound business judgment
Required Qualifications
- Travel: Prepared and capable of undertaking substantial international travel year-round across Europe and global regions
- Location: Available to work on-site at the UK head office (Kingswinford, West Midlands) during non-travel periods
- Supply Chain Mastery: Extensive knowledge of complete supply chain operations and enhancement
- Languages: English language proficiency is mandatory
- Leadership: Demonstrated capacity to direct international teams with precision, encouragement, and resolute defense of organizational interests
- Industry Experience: Established senior management background within the Plumbing, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (PHAR) industries
- Education: Engineering degree or comparable professional credentials
- Manufacturing Expertise: Verified success in international production and distribution settings
- Commercial Acumen: Solid business, sales, and marketing credentials with capability to connect technical proficiency with revenue expansion
Preferred Qualifications
- Track record of effective CEO or executive-level transitions
- Competence in German, Italian, French, Spanish, or Polish languages is beneficial
- Background in shareholder relations and Board-level oversight
- Familiarity with family-controlled or private manufacturing organizations
Package & Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Car Allowance
- Private Medical Insurance
- Bonus Structure: Merit-based incentive program
- Pension Contribution: Company retirement plan
- Relocation Assistance: Offered for suitable candidates (terms to be established and confirmed)
- Compensation: Base Salary: £150,000 - £160,000 annually (flexible for outstanding candidates)
- Annual Leave: 25 days annually plus UK bank holidays
Career Development
- Direct mentorship and collaboration with sitting Group CEO
- Clear progression to Group CEO role within a two-year timeframe
- Guidance from Board of Directors during transition period
- Detailed integration and development program for initial 6-12 months
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