General Manager – Consulting Engineering (Sales, Composites, Polymers, Automotive Engineering)

Position: General Manager (starting Q1 2025)

Location: Detroit Metropolitan Area

Company Overview

A leading global company in material engineering and consulting services, with a strong presence in North America, is focused on the development and integration of lightweight materials, including thermoplastics, composites, and advanced manufacturing techniques for the automotive and mobility industries. Headquartered in Germany, their solutions enhance performance, efficiency, and sustainability, moving beyond traditional weight reduction. The company works closely with OEMs and Tier suppliers to offer services that span concept development, process validation, and series production. They develop a wide range of components, including structural parts, interior and exterior components, as well as battery enclosures, among others.

The company is seeking a General Manager to oversee its North American operations, currently with a current team of three employees. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional who is ready to take the next step into leadership while contributing technical expertise to drive business growth. The General Manager will lead business development efforts, foster customer relationships, and ensure operational excellence within the region. This role is ideal for a driven professional with a technical background, such as in automotive engineering or product development, who is eager to shape the future of a growing business in a rapidly evolving market.

As the General Manager at our client company your role encompasses:

Customer Engagement & Business Development

• Leverage your technical expertise to engage with OEMs and Tier suppliers, identifying how our solutions can enhance their mobility applications.
• Promote the company’s service offerings across North America’s automotive and aerospace industries, raising brand visibility and establishing the company as a leader in the market.
• Attend exhibitions, conferences, and industry events, and participate in customer meetings to foster new business opportunities.
• Negotiate contracts with customers and subcontracting partners.
• Work closely with the global Forward Engineering team to align business development efforts with overall company strategy.
• Stay engaged with industry trends and market needs by working closely with industry experts and the global management team of the company. Share insights and collaborate on emerging opportunities.

Operations & Team Development

• Oversee day-to-day business operations, ensuring smooth execution of projects and high-quality service delivery.
• Manage a small, growing engineering and technical consulting team, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.
• Take full ownership of existing customer projects and customer relationships, ensuring exceptional service and strong client satisfaction.
• Coordinate with external partners and subcontractors as needed to support business goals.
• Drive continuous improvement in internal processes to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Take ownership of revenue growth and profitability, ensuring the long-term success of the company.
• Track and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including P&L, productivity, cash flow, and revenue forecasts to ensure financial stability and performance.
• Work closely with Forward Engineering headquarters to align US operations with the company’s global strategy.

What Forward Engineering North America Is Looking For:

• Background in engineering, technical consulting, or product development, with a strong understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to engage with clients, present technical solutions, and manage customer relationships whether in direct sales, business development, project management, or technical consulting.
• Established network within the automotive/mobility sector preferred.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and how they impact product technical specifications in the automotive and mobility sectors.
• Awareness of the mechanical and functional requirements for automotive and mobility applications, typically outlined in subsystem technical specifications.
• Goal- and solution-oriented mindset with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the unique demands of a small, fast-paced organization.
• Willingness to travel.

Travel Requirements:

This position will primarily involve local travel within the region. Occasional one-to-two-day trips will be required for key account workshops and business development initiatives. Additionally, the role will include travel to industry trade events within North America and internationally, in line with the company’s marketing calendar. Annual visits to its German headquarters will also be expected for training sessions and strategic workshops.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $123,456.00 per year

Compensation Package:

• Performance bonus

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $123,456