What are the responsibilities and job description for the General Manager - Consulting Engineering - automotive, composite materials fiber-reinforced polymers position at German American Chambers of Commerce?
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
Financial & Strategic Management
What Forward Engineering North America Is Looking For :
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.