A well-established Japanese manufacturer is currently recruiting a General Manager to lead its European subsidiary based in Hengelo (OV), the Netherlands.
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the General Manager will be responsible for driving the company’s strategic growth, financial performance, and operational excellence, while managing and developing the local Managers in alignment with HQ objectives.
This role sits between Managing Director and the Netherlands-based management team, translating global strategy into local execution and ensuring sustainable business growth, strong governance, and a people-oriented culture.

TYPE: Full-time, Initial 1-year fixed-term contract (2-month probation), with the intention to move to a permanent contract based on performance (There is potential for extension)
WORKING HOURS: Standard working hours: 40 hours per week * Flexible working hour: start between 07:30 – 09:00, end time between 16:00 – 17:30
SALARY: up to €120k gross depending on experience
LOCATION: Hengelo (OV), the Netherlands * 1 day work from home is acceptable (management presence in the office is expected)
BENEFITS: 38 days of annual leave (fulltime basis ), Pension scheme under the CLA of Metal & Technical industry, lease car, Company mobile phone and laptop, Company credit card, Pension scheme contribution , ,

General Manager Main Responsibilities:
Strategic & Organizational Leadership:
• Execute the corporate strategy and translate Yamada Group objectives into concrete local action plans
• Advise the Managing Director on strategic decisions, investments, and market developments
• Maintain an effective organizational structure with clear roles, responsibilities, and mandates
• Drive cross-functional collaboration and alignment across Sales, HR, Finance, Production, Logistics, and Support functions
Operational Management:
• Lead and manage the local Management Team, ensuring alignment and performance across departments
• Oversee operational excellence across production, procurement, warehousing, logistics, and customer service
• Ensure efficient, high-quality execution of operations in line with budget, ISO standards, and internal policies
• Monitor and manage KPIs related to revenue, profitability, delivery performance, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement
• Ensure full compliance with legal, safety, environmental, and quality regulations
Financial & Business Management:
• Hold overall responsibility for the financial health and performance of Yamada Europe
• Prepare and manage the annual budget together with the Finance Advisor
• Monitor financial results, forecasts, and deviations, and report regularly to the Managing Director
• Ensure cost control, financial discipline, and responsible capital expenditure
Leadership, People & Culture:
• Inspire, motivate, coach, and develop managers and employees across the organization
• Foster a culture of engagement, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement
• Work closely with the HR & Office Manager on recruitment, talent development, compensation, and employee well-being
• Act as a visible and approachable leader, promoting transparent communication and trust
• Support succession planning and the development of future leaders, including potential Managing Director successors
External Relations & Group Collaboration:
• Represent Yamada Europe towards customers, suppliers, industry associations, and regional partners
• Maintain strong collaboration with sister companies and HQ in Japan
• Support alignment with Japan on reporting, policies, governance, and compliance requirements
• Promote and protect the company’s reputation in the European market
Continuous Improvement & Innovation:
• Initiate and lead improvement projects related to quality, productivity, sustainability, and customer focus
• Promote digitalization and process optimization across the organization
• Encourage innovation and knowledge sharing in collaboration with Sales, Operations, and R&D

General Manager Ideal Candidate:
• University or HBO-level degree in Business, Engineering, or International Trade
• Minimum 10 years of senior management experience in an international industrial or technical B2B environment
• Fluent Dutch and English are mandatory
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams (Sales, Operations, Finance, HR)
• Strong track record in business growth, organizational development, and operational improvement
• Experience in industrial manufacturing, production, logistics, or technical sales is highly preferred
• Strong strategic and analytical thinker with solid P&L responsibility experience
• Excellent people management skills, with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop managers
• Decisive, resilient, and able to perform effectively under pressure
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills across cultures

** All applicants for the General Manager must have the right to work in the country as the Company is not able to offer visa support.
*We regret that we cannot accept applications from Working holiday visa, Graduate or Student visa holders.

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