Position Overview:
LUKASERZETT a German familyowned company with over 85 years of expertise in creating highperformance abrasive and tool products for grinding milling cutting and polishing is seeking a General Manager (GM) to lead our new U.S. branch in Atlanta Georgia. Our company is committed to crafting solutions that address the challenges of today and tomorrow. The GM will play a key role in establishing and expanding our presence in the U.S. market ensuring that we maintain the same commitment to quality safety and innovation that has shaped our legacy. This includes managing the branchs operations building and leading a strong local team and developing strategic relationships with clients and stakeholders. The GM will act as the liaison between our headquarters in Germany and the U.S. branch.
Key Responsibilities:
- Branch Setup and Operations:
- Establish and manage the U.S. branch including securing office space storage facilities and overseeing local legal and regulatory compliance.
- Develop logistical operations to ensure smooth daytoday functions of the branch.
- Recruit hire and build a highperforming local team across sales support administration and logistics.
- Develop and implement business strategies operational plans budgets and processes in alignment with company goals.
- Sales and Market Development:
- Identify pursue and secure new business opportunities by building strong relationships with potential clients and strategic partners in the U.S. market.
- Develop and execute effective sales strategies managing the sales pipeline to meet ambitious growth targets.
- Conduct indepth market research to understand customer needs market trends and competitive dynamics ensuring that company products meet U.S. market demands.
- Product Knowledge and Technical Support:
- Acquire indepth knowledge of the companys product offerings including tools machinery and technical solutions.LC1
- Provide technical training support and consulting services to both clients and internal teams to ensure optimal product application and satisfaction.
- Team Leadership and Development:
- Lead and mentor a diverse team of professionals ensuring high performance and achievement of company goals.
- Foster a positive and inclusive company culture ensuring alignment with the companys values and mission.
- Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide development opportunities to grow and retain talent within the team.
- Financial Management:
- Manage the branchs financial performance including budgeting forecasting and cost control.
- Ensure profitability while maintaining a focus on operational efficiency and product quality.
- Regularly report on branch financial performance and key metrics to headquarters in Germany.
- Relationship Building:
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key clients industry influencers and other stakeholders.
- Serve as the companys ambassador in the U.S. market promoting the brand and reputation of the German parent company.
- Compliance and Risk Management:
- Ensure compliance with all local regulations industry standards safety protocols and labor laws.
- Identify and mitigate business risks ensuring smooth operations and adherence to company policies.
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in business administration Engineering or a related field (Masters degree or MBA is a plus).
- 8 years of experience in senior management roles with a strong preference for experience in the abrasives or manufacturing industry.
- Proven track record of establishing and managing international branches particularly in the U.S. market.
- Deep understanding of U.S. business practices regulations and market dynamics.
- Fluency in English required; German is a plus but not essential.
- Strong leadership communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated experience in building and leading highperformance teams.
- Excellent business development and sales acumen with a history of meeting or exceeding growth targets.
- Solid financial management experience including budgeting forecasting and cost control.
- Willingness to travel frequently as needed.
Personal Attributes:
- Selfmotivated proactive and entrepreneurial mindset.
- Strong problemsolving abilities and sound decisionmaking skills.
- Culturally sensitive and adaptable with the ability to navigate both U.S. and German business environments.
- Resultsoriented with a focus on achieving both shortterm and longterm objectives.
Compensation:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performancebased bonuses and incentives.
- Typical Benefits Package:
- Health insurance (medical dental and vision coverage).
- Paid time off (vacation sick leave and holidays).
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Our company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race color religion gender sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability age or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to providing a diverse inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees.
Required Experience:
Director