-Senior Management / Business Strategy & Development / International Environment-
A Japanese manufacturing company is currently seeking an experienced General Manager to lead its operations in Milan, Italy.
The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing business strategies aligned with European and global objectives, driving business growth, and overseeing the overall performance of the Italian operation.
The role combines overall business leadership with hands-on responsibility for transformation, organisational development, stakeholder alignment and governance. The successful candidate will work closely with European management and Japanese headquarters while leading a multi-functional organisation.
(Ref: KA47729 - Please include this when making any enquiries.)

Main Responsibilities
• Develop and execute business strategies for the Italian market in line with European and global objectives
• Lead overall business operations, driving sustainable growth, profitability and operational efficiency
• Define and lead the transformation roadmap for the Italian operation, converting strategic priorities into executable initiatives with clear ownership, milestones and measurable outcomes
• Identify and develop new business opportunities, strategic partnerships and market expansion initiatives
• Balance functional priorities with the long-term interests of the company and allocate resources against company-wide strategic priorities
• Build organisational alignment around strategic priorities and secure commitment from department managers, European management and Japanese headquarters
• Oversee Sales, Marketing, Finance, Business Planning, Service, HR & General Affairs, and Legal functions
• Establish business targets, monitor KPIs and drive performance improvements across functions
• Manage financial performance including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and profitability
• Own the full P&L and operate within clearly defined authority for investment, pricing, people decisions and contractual commitments
• Report business performance and strategic and operational matters to European and Japanese headquarters, providing fact-based recommendations and proposals
• Ensure compliance, corporate governance, cybersecurity, information security, risk management and business continuity
• Balance growth, speed, investment and innovation with effective risk management and internal controls
• Build and develop high-performing teams and provide leadership, coaching and development to department managers
• Support succession planning and the development of future leadership talent
• Maintain strong relationships with key customers, distributors, business partners and other stakeholders
• Engage directly with strategic customers, major business opportunities, negotiations and market developments

Ideal Candidate
• Proven senior or general management experience with responsibility for multiple business functions
• Strong experience in business strategy, commercial operations and business development
• Demonstrated leadership and people management capabilities
• Experience leading business transformation or significant organisational change
• Strong enterprise-wide mindset, with the ability to balance commercial, financial, operational and governance priorities
• Solid understanding of P&L management, financial performance, budgeting and forecasting
• Strong knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, risk management and internal controls
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, including experience influencing international headquarters
• Ability to present clear, fact-based recommendations and obtain support for strategic investments and major business decisions
• Native level of fluency in Italian and business level of fluency in English
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Experience working for a Japanese or multinational company is advantageous
• Experience managing and developing department heads or senior managers would be advantageous

Conditions
• Location: Milan, Italy
• Working Style: Hybrid, but mostly office-based
• Salary: €160,000 gross fixed salary + up to €50,000 gross variable salary according to individually set KPIs
• Job Type: permanent, full-time
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday
• Start: ASAP
• Benefits: company car, meal ticket
• Travel: business travel within Italy and to the Netherlands as required
Visa Support: No

All applicants for the General Manager position must have the right to work in Italy without any restrictions as the Company is not able to offer visa support.

APPLY

or contact CBR